There are various online communities and academic networks that any Masters, PhD and Postdoctoral researchers can join at any stage of their research process. These networks and communities allow researchers to communicate with each other and stay informed about current developments in their field.
Monash Postgraduate Association (MPA) is a Monash owned network that connects local and international students by organising various activities and providing means of communication. They offer the MPA Online Forum (“Postgrad to Postgrad”) for HDR students.
Graduate Junction connects researchers with industry, social enterprises and eachother. Researchers use Graduate Junction to expand their academic network and make contact with other researchers who share their research interests.
GradShare provides a space for graduate researchers to network, intending to serve current graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers.
There is also the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) founded in 1979, that is a membership-based non-profit organisation. CAPA's main role is in protecting and promoting the interests and needs of Australia's 270,000+ postgraduate students.
MyFuture is a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments. The site aims to enhance students' employability skills, as well as providing a resource to find jobs and employers.
VITAE is a national UK organisation - developed by the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) - which provides resources, advice and information to champion the professional and career development of both doctoral researchers and research staff in higher education institutions and research institutes.
Please let us know by email if there are any Australian or recognised international online research communities we have forgotten to mention.