What are some strategies for gaining experience in a new area of research?

In addition to a literature search I would recommend researching the IP terrain by looking at published Patent applications and Patents if any. The examples in the patent applications describes how the technology was reduced to practice. A review of the claims describe the scope of the invention and what elements are covered and provides an insight into the opportunity areas.

I believe the fastest, and the most effective way to get into a new domain is by doing a concrete project with someone experienced in the domain. Investing a little bit of your time upfront in finding an expert who is locally available can save a ton of effort and will keep you motivated throughout the learning process. Working on real projects will give you Great insights on why you do certain things in a given way. You will have real use case to evaluate best practices and ultimately you will be far more confident in applying whatever you have learned to solve real life problems which requires knowledge of the new domain. It's always fun to learn while solving problems and discussing your findings with peers and getting their feedback.

I believe that, in a new area of research, these are the most important strategies for gaining experience: 1. Having a least university diploma in the research area, otherwise, not entering that field. 2. Studying and reviewing the basic knowledge governing the research area. 3. A complete web/library search to find the OLDEST and the MOST RECENT research reports concerning the research area. 4. Participating in the conferences, symposiums and other gatherings, trying to talk to or interview with the experts. 5. Finding a research topic based on the economical assessment and market need. 6. Preparing the research proposal individually, but finding the best co-worker(s) needed. .......

Use the design for six sigma process. Use state of the art technology, AI, Machine learning, best, fastest analytical and test equipment. Run multiple projects in parallel. Make sure the money works out. Make sure the project allows patents. File patent applications as soon as you have enough data. Remember the rule is first to file. Use the best design of experiment software. Think, analyse more mix less.

Move out of your comfort zone is the key for gaining knowledge in new field. If something is not related to your area of research, try to implement your way of thinking to solve some problems. Read relevant books, get along with expertise in the field and exchange the knowledge.

Before designing any project some questions you ask 1. What is the purpose of the project 2. What problem will the project solve 3. Is the project feasible 4. Collection of data if any work has been done earlier 5. Design the innovation point for your project 6. List of statistical tools and softwares to be used 7. Make a budget and time plan

In my experience, designing and conducting experiments is fundamental, but we must put a line between the experiments that are done formally (with the goal of being published) and the ones done informally (preliminary tests with the only goal of gaining experience). Every research project has limited resources (time, money, equipment, etc.), so the goal is to get the most results out of the minimal resources. If a PhD or postdoc project is loaded with too many informal experiments, there is a real risk of investing most of the resources on unpublishable experiments, and having zero o just a few published articles.

Here is where piloting experiments lends the most experience. At first you need to design experiments to be simple. From there you can gain additional techniques, and additional analysis to get where you need to go. If you are looking to use a complex series of stains reach out to authors that have done it before and ask for their specifics. Don't reinvent the wheel just follow the simple steps then add in the additional techniques to accomplish your goals and potentially answer your research question. As a scientist you are trying to make perfect conditions in an imperfect world.

When diving into a new research area, my experience has taught me that designing and conducting projects is akin to sculpting expertise. In Nigeria, start with small, manageable projects that allow you to grasp intricacies and build a foundation. Collaborate with local experts, adapting global methodologies to the Nigerian context. It's not just about the project's outcome; it's about the hands-on learning process, navigating challenges, and gaining nuanced insights specific to the Nigerian research terrain.

ALWAYS try to keep in mind THAT the Map is not the Territory; THAT the Model, any Model, is NEVER going to consider - nor will it ever be able to - fully represent The Reality of the Thing being studied and Educed; AND, though Models, Maps, Graphs, Charts, and/or any Cartesian Representation of the gathered Data will inevitably be insufficient ~ or RATHER, better stated PERHAPS, will be in need of updates, mods, and reconciliation + reconsideration as the Project progresses. THEREBY, becoming a Forcing Function in service of Emphasis on the Process and not the end result... ALTHOUGH End Points & End States & End Products be the results, so to speak, as instantiations AND realizations of one's work, energy, materiel, effort, and time inputs.

To innovate it is necessary to collaborate and build collaborative networks. Collaboration gives us perspective and knowledge to inspire us and allow innovation to emerge.

Collaboration isn't just about sharing ideas; it's also about getting your hands dirty. Picture yourself elbow-deep in a research project, learning the ropes from seasoned veterans. It's a crash course in practicality, a chance to hone your skills and gain invaluable experience. And let's not forget about the perks of shared resources and expertise. It's like having access to a bottomless well of knowledge and tools. You give a little, you get a little; it's a symbiotic relationship where everyone benefits.

In engineering research, effective networking and collaboration are vital for innovation. Platforms like ResearchGate are key for idea exchanges and initiating collaborations. Active engagement in professional organisations provides industry insights and fosters joint ventures. University collaborations blend academic theories with practical applications, enhancing research quality. Attending trade shows and industry events is crucial, offering opportunities to connect with suppliers and peers, and fostering innovative partnerships. Embracing these strategies not only expands your research horizons but also keeps you at the forefront of engineering advancements, offering invaluable opportunities for professional growth.

In my opinion, Collaboration is a key to success in new researches and emerging technologies, as performing researches within a nutshell without a collaboration narrows down the thought process and increases the R&D efforts. Collaboration is an approach which blends Time, Effort & Knowledge in a perfect ratio. Complexities can be broken thru collaboration, and you know how diversity works towards the improvement of the organizations' growth.

Collaboration allows exposure, gaining new experience and skills, and wider perspectives. All these are fundamentally helpful.

Showcasing your work gets more eyes on work which could be scary for some, but presents an opportunity to learn and fine tune whatever knowledge has been gained. A key here, is to learn the art of the storytelling which only gets better with practice.

Showcasing your work is akin to selling a product. Customers are limited, so how to sell it is vital for the development of the products and the people who produce them. Attending conferences and presenting your work can facilitate your progress.

Showcasing your work is an art in itself, and my journey in Nigeria's research scene has highlighted its significance. Craft a compelling narrative around your projects, emphasizing not just the results but their impact on local challenges. Leverage local platforms, conferences, and media to amplify your work within Nigeria's research community. In addition, use accessible language that resonates with diverse audiences; a clear, relatable story enhances the visibility and relevance of your contributions in the Nigerian research landscape.

Perspectival, but ALSO certainly the Procedural, AND the Representational - as referred to in the first paragraph; YET, the Perspectival WHEN combined WITH especially the Participatory Ways of Knowing, Educing, Enlightening & Illuminating a given area of Study, a specific field of Inquiry, COMBINED with a hearty respect, an humble attitude, a bold strategy, and a Sense of Awe & Wonder - most fully rounds out an Holistic Approach to any Specific Object of Research. It is the Way: ???????????

The question I ask when looking at other projects is "who cares?". It may sound harsh at first but not everyone is an expert in your particular field. But when you bring in the context as to why you are doing things, you really gain an understanding of why the research you conduct is important. Of course you will have experts who know the ins and outs of your field but that lends itself to a different discussion altogether.

In today's modern world - it is easy to get feedbacks. From the web if you have the stomach to handle bashers and negative comments. Or from research colloquia and peer reviews. Either way would give you a different point of view (POV) necessary to expand your horizons.

Starting out in a new field requires listening intently and learning from feedback. Experts frequently impart knowledge that is dense with specifics, so paying close attention to what they say and asking thoughtful questions can help steer you in a new direction.

As you progress in your career, you may find the feedback you get is less and less clear, blunt and explicit. As you gain a reputation, you will find emotional intelligence is increasingly important for reading people and their opinions. Not all feedback is intended to be helpful. Remember, you are fighting for time, money and resources. You will know when you have "arrived" when your colleague/competitors are no longer pulling their punches. Teamwork and collaboration is the picture we paint for the outside world. Trusted co-workers are hard to find. Value them; protect them.

Participation, participating, AND being actively in IT, is what lends Perspective, multiple perspectives hopefully, unto Perspectival Knowledge, Knowing, and the gaining of Procedural (Think: skills) and of Representational (Think: Graphing, Modelling, Mapping, Charting) in terms of Process, Journey, and the Pursuit... Of what it's ACTUALLY frikkin like to do, to be, to live & work, fully immersed, and action oriented... ALL the while, pausing, resting, and breaking from IT in order to Reflect, to Contemplate, AND to Meditate on -- the Project, the Progress, and the Improving upon said Research Project AND THEN imagining, planning, and preparing for the Implementation Phase - if there's to be SUCH.

Feedback is the key source of learning. Please look feedback in a constructive way. We have to be open to both kinds of feedback and take only which will lead us to improvement. A constructive feedback will always boost our confidence and also let us know our abilities to improve ourselves. Most important is asking for a feedback to improve.

Reading peer-reviewed articles is a good way to update knowledge and skills. New techniques and ideas are well established and explained. Contact information is also available for discussion and asking questions. LinkedIn community also provides a dynamic environment for sharing new products, articles, and ideas. Following professionals and major companies in your field could make updating knowledge more convenient.

Keep reading papers in your field of interest. At least two new outstanding papers a week will keep you updated about your topic and refuel your motivation in your research. But the best way to learn is through teaching. So if you are not a lecturer, try to share your ideas, your results, something you liked from the papers or books you are reading, with your team members. This will let you mastering your analysis and presentation skills but also will help to better and longer remember this information you are sharing.

Keep learning as a process itself allows for expansion of creative ideas and even generation of novel concepts or technologies that can unlock the mysteries of nature more effective than before. Researcher himself can develop new skills and become more broad in his knowledge! Therefore the process of learning should not be underestimated even if someone is very good or successful already.

Within Clinical Research, adopt a multifaceted learning approach. Attend specialized workshops or webinars, such as those offered by organizations like the Clinical Research Professional Society. Engage with literature, subscribing to journals like the Journal of Clinical Oncology for oncology research. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the new domain, tapping into their insights and experiences. Enroll in relevant online courses on platforms like Coursera or Research Learning Institute. Participate in conferences specific to the field. Regularly contribute to and learn from online forums like ResearchGate to stay updated . This strategy ensures a comprehensive and evolving understanding of the chosen clinical research area.

Leveraging LinkedIn Community: The LinkedIn community emerged as a dynamic hub for learning opportunities. Engaging in group discussions, following thought leaders, and exploring content shared by industry experts enriched my understanding. This platform served as a two-way street, enabling me to contribute insights and seek advice from a diverse and knowledgeable audience.

Before delving into a new project, ensure the following steps are taken: 1. Dedicate several months to study the most pertinent papers and articles on the new topic to grasp its core concepts thoroughly. 2. Once you've grasped the fundamentals, pinpoint a gap in the existing literature, ensuring it's a significant one that warrants a novel solution. 3. Formulate your hypothesis and meticulously outline the concrete next steps, anticipating potential obstacles and alternative strategies. 4. Confirm that you have all the necessary resources in place to conduct the research effectively. 5. Lastly, after establishing proof-of-concept with preliminary data, refine your approach incrementally, moving steadily towards completion.

In navigating new research areas, beginning with a foundational understanding and scaling up gradually is critical. It's important to progress at a sustainable pace, avoiding haste, which can create gaps in knowledge, but also being steady by preventing loss of momentum. Balancing theoretical knowledge with the understanding of practical application is essential, fostering a harmonious growth in expertise. Adopting an iterative learning process—learning, applying, then reflecting—deepens understanding and integrates new insights. This incremental approach builds a robust foundation ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the subject, a sustainable learning curve, equips for advanced challenges, and a solid base for complex future work.

Here are some Startegies... 1. Identifying analogy & research thru analogies, which directs the flow of thoughts in right direction. Like, Research on human flying started from the bird analogy. 2. Use of wise tools like Brainstorming, mindmaps, FBD, etc., which helps to know which is important and which needs to be explored 3. Prioritized learning process thru which sequencing & focussing on the right specific areas before investing enormous efforts, 4. Network&collaboration guides us to get out of dark areas during the learning&understanding process. Always collective learning gives an improved & quickest outcomes 5. Break down most complex research areas & make people involved by themselves by stimulating their enthusiasm& passion.

La creatividad y la imaginación son muy importantes, ya que hablamos de acercarnos a nuevas experiencias en nuevos campos de investigación. Es decir, salir de nuestra zona de confort y adentrarnos a descubrir lo desconocido sólo es posible con una pizca de valentía y osadía.

Conducting research is not an easy job. It can be boring, without progress with prolonged periods, or stressful. Given that it is a new research field, choosing a direction of interest will make the following work easier.