Welcome to the World of Research!
Every fresh researcher starts somewhere: often with curiosity, many questions, and very little clarity about what has already been done in their field. At this early stage, professional research platforms are not just for showcasing work; they are essential tools for exploration, learning, and orientation. They help you discover existing studies, identify gaps, follow leading scholars, and understand how research conversations evolve.
As you grow and begin to publish, these same platforms take on a new role. They help you present your work to the world, track citations, build credibility, connect with collaborators, and position yourself for academic and professional opportunities. In short, they support you from learning researcher to publishing scholar.
There are many academic and professional platforms available today. However, to prevent early-career researchers from feeling overwhelmed, Charis Research Hub has carefully curated the simplest, most widely used, and most effective platforms that every researcher can start with confidently.
Below are the four essential accounts we recommend activating.
1. Google Scholar
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes scholarly literature such as journal articles, theses, books, and conference papers. For new researchers, it is an excellent tool for exploring what has already been studied. For publishing researchers, a Google Scholar profile helps track citations, showcase publications, and increase research visibility, making it central to building an academic footprint.
Activate your account here:
👉 https://scholar.google.com/
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform used globally for career development, collaboration, and visibility. For early researchers, it provides exposure to academic communities, institutions, and professional conversations. For publishing scholars, it serves as a platform to highlight research interests, publications, achievements, and to connect with peers, organisations, and opportunities beyond the classroom or laboratory.
To open one, watch this short guide:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDoEH2E6yyo
3. ORCID
ORCID provides a unique digital identifier (ORCID iD) that distinguishes you from other researchers with similar names. It ensures that your research outputs are correctly attributed to you across journals, institutions, and databases. Many journals and funding bodies now require an ORCID iD, making it a foundational tool for both emerging and established researchers.
Create one here:
👉 https://orcid.org/register
4. ResearchGate
ResearchGate is an academic social networking platform designed specifically for researchers to share publications, follow current research trends, ask and answer scholarly questions, and collaborate globally.
Note: Researchers from some universities may experience challenges during registration due to institutional email verification requirements. In such cases, alternative verification options or delayed registration may be necessary.
Create an account here:
👉 https://www.researchgate.net/signup
For the best experience, it is advisable to download the ResearchGate mobile app.
Conclusively, whether you are just finding your footing in research or actively publishing, professional research accounts are no longer optional. They help you learn faster, connect smarter, and grow deliberately, without confusion or overload.
Start simple. Stay visible. Grow professionally.