If you've ever wanted to thank a scholar, pick their brain, or make a simple connection, you can do that by sending them a message! To send a message to a specific author, click Message next to their name on their profile or paper. You can also view your message inbox to read your new messages, look at past conversations, or draft a new message. This is a safe, secure way to share research, make new connections, and grow your field.
Send a message
Click Message next to the person's name where it appears on their profile page or the paper they authored.
Message from profile page
- Open the profile of the person you want to contact.
- Click Message.
- Draft a message.
- Click Send.
Message from paper page
- Open the paper of the author you want to contact.
- Under Authors, click Message next to the author you want to message.
View all messages in your inbox
- Click on your profile photo in the navigation bar.
- Select My Messages.
How will I know when I get a message?
If you have new notifications, we'll show you on your profile photo in the navigation bar. You'll also receive an email from Academia.
- Click on your profile photo in the navigation bar.
- Look at My Messages.
- If you have any new messages, a red circle will appear with the number of new messages indicated.
How do I see who messaged me?
When you open the My Messages page, you'll see a list of people who have contacted you on the left, and the full conversation of the selected message on the right, with details about the person at the top.
- You can click on the name of any person on the left to view your conversation with them.
- A blue line will appear next to the name of the person whose conversation you selected.
Read and unread messages
- Unread messages will have bold typeface and a gray background on the left-hand sidebar.
- A New Message indicator appears above any new messages you've received from that user.
- Read messages turn white once read, with a regular typeface.
Delete a conversation
If you want to delete a conversation, you can click the trash can icon at the top of the conversation to delete it. This will irreversibly delete your entire conversation with that person.
Contact someone on Academia without an account
Both you and the person you want to contact will need to have an Academia account to use our messaging system. You can create an account to start messaging and connecting with your fellow scholars for free.
Some academics may also provide personal contact information on their profile, such as their email address or P.O. box. You can read their biography to find their contact information, provided they have included it on their profile.
Report another user from your message inbox
To report a message or conversation from a specific user, click into their message from your message inbox, then click the flag icon at the top of the conversation.