Objective: International mobility and collaborations are a cornerstone of the academic career trajectory, as well as a pathway to better science. This article aims to advocate for strengthening global connections among early-career investigators to advance science and accelerate discovery in addiction research. Drawing on the authors’ experiences, we offer specific recommendations to help addiction researchers design international exchange programs for early-career investigators. Method: The program consisted of four key components: (a) pre-exchange participant matching of early-career investigators at each institution, (b) individualized goal setting for participants, (c) a structured orientation program on the first day of the in-person exchange, and (d) 2 weeks of research-focused, in-person collaborations and networking activities. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented, including 2-year outcomes from the program (N = 8). Results: The exchange program had both immediate and sustained impacts on professional development and research productivity. Participants reported increased confidence in international collaboration, a broader global perspective, and enhanced scholarly output, and all emphasized the importance of in-person interaction. Two years after exchange, participants reported a more than threefold increase in internationally co-authored publications, a newly awarded international grant, and the establishment of four new formal mentorship relationships. All participants reported changes in their research focus, scientific approach, or lab management practices as a result of the exchange program. Unexpected benefits included strengthened collaboration within home research teams and the emergence of broader institutional partnerships in both the United States and Australia. Conclusions: Understanding and addressing addiction requires a global perspective, and engaging early-career researchers in international exchange programs can foster lasting collaborations and encourage globally focused research. Even short-term exchanges can be cost-effective in promoting long-term productivity in international addiction research. Public health significance statement: This work highlights how short-term international exchange programs for early-career researchers can strengthen global collaboration and lead to more effective addiction research. By building international networks early in their careers, researchers are better equipped to tackle the complex, worldwide challenges of substance use and addiction, ultimately leading to better-informed public health solutions across countries.

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