Why do qualified researchers from low- and middle-income countries often miss out on international roles despite meeting all requirements and how can they improve their chances?

Speaking from my own experience, it’s a tough reality to face. You can have the qualifications, the drive, everything on paper, but still feel like you’re on the outside looking in.

I think the biggest wall we hit is just being invisible. When you're from a place like Yemen, getting to a major international conference is more than just a plane ticket—it's a mountain of visa paperwork, funding struggles, and logistical nightmares. So we're not in the room where connections are made. We're not having coffee with the PIs who are hiring. They can't hire someone they've never even heard of.

There's also this subtle feeling that our work is seen as less important. We might be tackling urgent problems that affect our communities, but because it's not happening in a Western country, it gets labeled "regional interest." It's a hard pill to swallow when you know your research is solid.

So what can we do? We can't just wait for things to change. We have to be clever.

For me, the internet is my main tool. I'm constantly on LinkedIn and ResearchGate, not just posting my work but actually talking to people. It’s my way of networking when I can't physically be there. I also pour a lot of energy into finding collaborations. Even being a small part of an international paper gets your name out there and shows you can work at that level. It's all about finding those small cracks in the wall and prying them open.

It’s a constant struggle, but we are resilient. We just need the other side to meet us halfway and see the person behind the CV.