How to break barriers and explore new frontiers in your research, By Mohammed Dahiru Aminu

One of the most common misconceptions about pursuing a doctoral degree is that it requires expertise in the chosen field before starting. Many aspiring researchers believe they must already have a deep understanding of the topic they wish to study, which can limit their options and prevent them from exploring new or futuristic fields. This mindset is restrictive and fails to acknowledge the unique nature of doctoral research, which is as much about discovery and learning as it is about mastery. In fact, pursuing a doctoral program in an area where you have limited prior knowledge can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a transformative journey of personal and academic growth. A doctoral program is not merely an extension of previous learning. It is an opportunity to explore, delve deeply into complex issues and develop expertise in an area that may have been unfamiliar before. You can learn both the fundamental principles and the most complex aspects of a subject through a balanced combination of self-study, hands-on research and collaboration with experts. As an aspiring researcher, you need not be deterred by your initial lack of knowledge. Instead, embrace the opportunity to learn and contribute to the field in innovative ways.

Self-study is one of the most effective ways to lay the groundwork for any research area, especially if you are venturing into an unfamiliar field. For example, if you were to pursue a doctorate in renewable energy systems without prior experience, the first step would be to understand the fundamental principles underlying the field. You would need to familiarize yourself with the physics of solar panels, the mechanics of wind turbines and the chemistry of biofuels, among other topics. Such self-study would not only build a solid theoretical understanding but also provide clarity on the various research challenges you might face. This process of immersion in academic materials, such as research papers and textbooks, will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of your chosen topic. As you explore key concepts, you will begin to recognize areas where further research is needed. Through engaging with the foundational aspects of the field, you establish a solid base from which more complex ideas and advanced studies can be built. The process of self-study provides an important first step in your doctoral journey, one that will prepare you for the more hands-on work and collaborative experiences that will follow.

Although self-study lays the intellectual groundwork, hands-on research plays a vital role in transforming theory into practical knowledge. Engaging in practical research projects allows you to apply the concepts you have learned in real-world settings, helping you develop technical skills, and a deeper understanding of how abstract ideas manifest in practice. For example, in the field of renewable energy, you might design and test solar power systems, assess the efficiency of wind farms or develop sustainable bioenergy solutions. Hands-on research helps to reinforce theoretical knowledge and enhances your ability to solve practical problems. When you engage directly with the research process, whether through laboratory experiments, fieldwork or simulations, you develop a skill set that cannot be acquired through reading alone. This hands-on experience is invaluable in any research discipline, as it enables you to test hypotheses, refine your methods and contribute meaningful data to the field.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of doctoral research is the opportunity to collaborate with experts in your field. The guidance of experienced researchers can significantly enhance your learning experience, helping you refine your research questions and approach. Working with experts exposes you to the latest trends and methodologies, allowing you to stay up to date with cutting-edge advancements. These interactions provide opportunities for feedback, discussions and the sharing of ideas that can shape the trajectory of your research. In my own experience, this collaborative aspect was crucial. When I ventured into carbon capture and storage (CCS), a field completely unfamiliar to me, I sought mentorship and advice from faculty members and industry professionals. Despite my initial lack of knowledge, I was encouraged by the support of professors and researchers who had been working in the field for years. They offered invaluable guidance on various aspects of my research, including the chemical processes involved in CCS and the engineering principles behind storage technologies. For example, a professor specializing in energy systems and hydrogen technology advised me not to give up on publishing one of my papers, despite facing multiple rejections from peer reviewers. She shared her own experiences of perseverance and encouraged me to continue improving my work. Another mentor, an expert in flow in porous media, helped me develop a simpler model for my research when I was overwhelmed by the complexity of numerical simulations.

In addition to direct mentorship, networking with other researchers and attending academic conferences played a critical role in my doctoral journey. Conferences provide an excellent platform to present your findings, receive constructive feedback and learn about the latest advancements in your field. They also provide opportunities to connect with like-minded persons who share your research interests. Through these interactions, I gained diverse perspectives that enriched my understanding of CCS and broadened my research scope. Networking with peers and professionals in the field allows you to exchange ideas, learn about new methodologies and stay informed about emerging trends. Conferences, workshops and research meetings are all great opportunities for early career researchers to stay updated and form connections that can lead to collaborative projects or new avenues of exploration. These experiences help you stay at the forefront of research in your field and ensure that your work remains relevant.

My own doctoral journey illustrates the importance of embracing an unfamiliar research field and the potential for growth it offers. Initially, I had no knowledge of CCS, having studied geology in Nigeria and petroleum engineering in the United Kingdom—neither of which included content on CCS. But I saw an opportunity to use my existing background in geoscience and engineering as a foundation to explore this new area. This mindset was decisive in enabling me to embrace the challenges of entering a completely unfamiliar field. To build a strong foundation, I began studying research papers and textbooks related to CCS, focusing on the chemistry of carbon dioxide absorption, the physics of gas diffusion, and the engineering principles behind storage technologies. This self-study provided me with the theoretical framework needed for my subsequent research. As I gained confidence in my understanding of the field, I began engaging in hands-on research, conducting laboratory experiments and simulations to explore carbon dioxide interactions with brine and rock formations. These experiences allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, further reinforcing my understanding of CCS. One of the most rewarding aspects of my doctoral journey was the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field. These experts provided invaluable guidance that helped shape the direction of my research. For instance, I worked with professionals who had practical experience in implementing CCS technologies, and their feedback helped me improve my research. Their insights into the real-world challenges of CCS enhanced my ability to address practical problems, while their encouragement helped me overcome setbacks and remain committed to my work.

With the benefit of hindsight, I would say that venturing into a new and unfamiliar research area during your doctoral studies is not only possible but can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Through the combination of self-study, hands-on research, mentorship and continuous learning, you can master both the foundational and advanced aspects of your chosen field. This holistic approach will allow you to contribute meaningfully to your area of study and make a lasting impact on the scientific community. The journey of discovery and growth that comes with pursuing a doctoral degree in an unfamiliar field will also equip you with the skills, knowledge and resilience needed to succeed as a researcher. You will learn not only from your successes but also from the challenges you face along the way. This experience will shape you into a versatile, innovative researcher, ready to tackle the challenges of the future. Thus, I encourage aspiring researchers to not limit themselves to familiar areas when considering a doctoral program. They should embrace the opportunity to explore new and futuristic fields. They should understand that the rewards of venturing into the unknown, both personal and academic, are far greater than the risks. Through stepping out of your comfort zone, you not only expand your knowledge and skills but also contribute to the advancement of research in your field. Do not hesitate to embrace the challenge as it will be a journey worth taking.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu (mohd.aminu@gmail.com) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.