Extracellular matrix is the glue that holds us together – literally! It is also what connects almost every field of research in biological and life sciences. With such a huge, multidisciplinary field spanning many topics and research labs, it can seem daunting to stay up to date or make connections with other researchers in the field.

That’s where The Meshwork comes in! We are an online community focused on providing a safe space for networking, collaboration, but also technical assistance, so as to strengthen research relationships in the matrix community. Our network is specifically geared towards early career researchers (ECRs), such as PhD candidates and Postdocs from any area or aspect of matrix research. Currently, we encompass a mixed community of approximately 280 ECRs and established researchers from across the globe.  

At The Meshwork our goal is to foster more interactions in an informal space and allow ECRs to feel more comfortable networking within the community. Particularly, we aim to be a communal hub for ECRs especially for those without a large community at their home institution. On our X page we post our monthly newsletter, repost job opportunities and events, celebrate matrix community member achievements and much more. We also run monthly virtual events for ECRs relating to many different aspects of science and research. Direct networking can also happen on our slack platform where people can post technical problems, advertise new publications, and connect with previous conference attendees. 

To know us better and be part of our community, you could follow us on social media (on X and Slack) or check out our website. Are you interested in being featured in our spotlight column in our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]!

Image by The Meshwork.