In the fast-paced world of academia, effective networking and sharing research findings are essential for advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration. However, traditional methods—like exchanging paper business cards or distributing lengthy resumes—often fall short in meeting researchers’ modern, digital needs. These outdated approaches make it challenging to share work, connect with peers, and build meaningful, long-term professional relationships.

To address these challenges, we conducted a comprehensive study to develop PenPal Cards, a customizable digital tool tailored for academic professionals. Our research methodology involved interviews and surveys with over 200 researchers, academic professionals, and conference organizers. This extensive data collection allowed us to identify key pain points in academic networking and design a solution that meets these needs.

PenPal Cards enable researchers to seamlessly share their portfolios—including publications, affiliations, and contact details—via a simple tap or scan. The tool also generates concise, shareable summaries of research and integrates with widely used platforms such as ORCID, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. An analytics feature tracks engagement, providing insights into profile views and facilitating meaningful follow-ups with potential collaborators. 

Through iterative testing and deployment in academic environments, PenPal Cards have demonstrated significant impact. Early adopters reported greater engagement at conferences, improved follow-ups with collaborators, and enhanced visibility for their work. By creating a more accessible and impactful way to network, PenPal Cards are poised to transform how researchers connect and collaborate, ultimately fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing across disciplines.