By Brogan Stewart, PhD Candidate at Concordia University

I attended my first academic conference many years ago, and I was fortunate that it happened to be an international meeting in Quito, Ecuador. At the time, I was studying primate behaviour and the ways it varies with physical condition and environmental context, so a primatology conference felt like a natural fit. I went in with very limited expectations and assumed it might be rather dry, resembling a week of back-to-back lectures. Instead, I discovered an engaging environment that far exceeded anything I had imagined. That experience reshaped my view of academic gatherings, and I now see conferences as an essential and deeply rewarding part of my development as a graduate researcher.

Academic conferences offer the opportunity to engage deeply with research topics that align closely with one’s interests, both in detailed presentations and in broader thematic discussions. In my case, I have always been fascinated by animal behaviour and the remarkable diversity of ways in which different species navigate their environments. Attending a primatology conference allows me to select from a wide range of talks, often making it difficult to choose because so many align with my interests. At the most recent conference I attended, for example, my supervisor presented her work on placentophagy in Japanese macaques, exploring if and why individuals consume their placentas. These are the kinds of intriguing questions that rarely surface in everyday conversations but are central to the scientific dialogue at these meetings.

Keynote presentations are often particularly memorable. They provide a synthesis of a researcher’s career, framed through the evolution of their scientific contributions, and they frequently offer insights that stay with you long after the conference ends. One I heard this year, for example, examined the extraordinary visual system of mantis shrimp, which are capable of perceiving wavelengths in both the ultraviolet and infrared ranges.

In addition to formal presentations, conferences provide valuable opportunities for informal discussions over coffee or meals. These conversations often reveal the practical and personal dimensions of fieldwork and research, ranging from methodological challenges to unexpected experiences, such as narrowly avoiding encounters with African elephants. Such exchanges enrich the scientific content of the conference and strengthen the sense of community within the field.

Attending a range of academic presentations directly strengthens my own research. Many talks touch on themes, methods, or questions that parallel aspects of my work, often introducing new approaches or perspectives I can consider. I always bring a notebook to conferences and use it to record ideas, methodological insights, and reflections on how what I am hearing might inform my analyses. Engaging with research in a live setting, rather than solely through published articles, offers a unique form of learning. It provides the opportunity to absorb a large volume of current work in a short period of time, something that would be impossible through reading alone, and it allows for immediate discussion with the authors. Being able to ask questions, clarify details, or explore broader implications in real time makes these interactions especially valuable.

Another clear benefit of academic conferences, particularly national and international ones, is the opportunity to travel to places one might not otherwise visit. I often take time before or after a conference, or in the evenings once sessions conclude, to explore the surrounding area. For example, when I attended a conference in Borneo, I was able to join wildlife excursions and even observe orangutans in their habitat. These experiences not only enrich the trip but also broaden my perspective as a researcher. Through academic conferences, I have had the chance to visit new locations, encounter different cultures, and expand my understanding of the world, an added benefit that complements the scientific value of the meetings themselves.

One of the most rewarding aspects of conferences is the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the field. After attending multiple national and international meetings, as well as completing several international internships in primatology, I now have a network of colleagues whom I genuinely consider friends. It is always a pleasure to reconnect, hear updates about ongoing fieldwork, and spend time with people who share similar research interests. These interactions also create space for new collaborations and professional opportunities. At the most recent conference I attended in Chicago, for example, I discussed a potential postdoctoral project with a professor from another Canadian institution. That conversation ultimately led to her willingness to supervise the proposed work, an opportunity that may not have emerged as naturally without being in the same place and engaging in person.

Another aspect of conferences that I did not anticipate at my first one is the experience of meeting the researchers whose work I cite regularly. There is something uniquely meaningful about realizing that the “Smith et al.” in your reference list is now standing beside you at the snack table. It adds a human dimension to scholarship and fosters a sense of community within the discipline. I have also had the privilege of seeing my own work cited in others’ presentations, which has been both encouraging and affirming. These moments underscore the collaborative nature of academic research and highlight the value of participating in these collective spaces. 

In conclusion, conferences consistently leave me feeling reenergized and motivated. I return home with renewed momentum and a fresh perspective on my research. In fact, at the conference in Chicago, I found myself reconsidering my own career plans. I had not been intending to pursue a postdoctoral position, but being surrounded by such inspiring research and engaging discussions gave me a renewed sense of purpose. The experience reminded me of how deeply I value the field of primatology, and it ultimately encouraged me to propose a postdoctoral project I had been considering so I could continue contributing to this work.

Last weekend, I met someone who works in primatology but has never attended a conference. I genuinely felt that she had missed an important aspect of the graduate experience, one that provides community, professional growth, and intellectual inspiration. If you are considering attending a conference but feel uncertain, I strongly encourage you to go. It may offer exactly the perspective or motivation you did not know you needed.