Forging remote relationships

ILLUSTRATION: HANNAH AGOSTA As we enter year 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic, many scientists continue to work remotely, including those starting new jobs. We called on young scientists to submit advice for the researcher below, who grapples with the challenges of working remotely in a new lab. Responses included reflective questions, stories about personal experiences, and advice. Read a selection of the peer mentors' thoughts here. Follow NextGen Voices on Twitter with hashtag #NextGenSci. Read previous NextGen Voices survey results at https://science.sciencemag.org/collection/nextgen-voices. —Jennifer Sills Dear NextGen VOICES peer mentors, I am excited to be joining a new lab for my first postdoc. It has been a huge relief to get a job despite the even-tougher-than-usual job market. I have moved to a new city and am settling in, but because of the pandemic almost everyone is working remotely most of the time and all meetings are virtual. With limited in-person opportunities for collaboration and none for socializing, I am having trouble forging relationships with my new colleagues. This isolation is taking its toll on the scientific exchange I need for my project to succeed as well as my comfort as part of the team. How can I integrate myself into the lab environment?