Surprising New Research Fields You Can Enter Without Prior Experience

The world of research is continuously expanding, offering exciting, innovative opportunities across multiple industries. The barriers to entry have lowered, with numerous new research fields to explore even if you lack a traditional academic background. From entry-level research careers to roles in non-traditional research careers, there’s an array of fascinating paths for individuals eager to contribute to meaningful projects without extensive prior experience.

This article will highlight emerging research fields perfect for beginners and those contemplating a career change, showing you exactly where and how to start.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics and Policy

With the rise of AI in everyday life, AI ethics and policy has become one of the most critical research fields for beginners. It’s an accessible research career without experience where you can help shape the future of AI in ways that are safe, fair, and unbiased. AI ethics involves understanding the impact of algorithms on privacy, society, and even fairness in decision-making processes.

This innovative research area to join is rapidly growing as technology continues to evolve. Indeed, AI ethics is one of the best research fields for non-experts to dive into, particularly for individuals with backgrounds in law, sociology, or public policy. Moreover, you don’t need extensive programming knowledge to understand how AI affects individuals and communities. Consequently, this is one of those surprising research opportunities where a broad range of perspectives is valued, making it an attractive option for those interested in starting a research career with no background in AI or computer science.

How to Get Started:

• Explore online courses in AI ethics and machine learning basics.

• Join online communities or forums focused on AI policy discussions.

• Participate in think tanks or attend conferences related to AI and digital policy.

2. Sustainability and Climate Change Research

Among emerging research fields, sustainability and climate change research stands out as one of the most essential and accessible. As climate change concerns increase, so does the need for diverse perspectives on how to manage and combat it. Sustainability research involves finding innovative ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create green technologies. This field to break into without research experience is ideal for people who want to make a positive impact on the environment.

Sustainability and climate change are promising research paths for career changers from various fields, including business, law, and social sciences. For instance, many people are finding a place in this field by analyzing data on sustainable practices or advocating for policies that promote environmental protection. In fact, sustainability has become one of the top research fields to consider in 2024, offering plenty of beginner-friendly research opportunities for anyone passionate about the planet.

How to Get Started:

• Volunteer with environmental nonprofits to gain hands-on experience.

• Familiarize yourself with sustainability standards and green business practices.

• Enroll in courses or certifications in sustainable development.

3. Health Technology and Digital Health

Health technology and digital health are rapidly evolving fields that combine medical knowledge with cutting-edge digital innovations. These new research fields for newcomers have experienced a massive surge in interest, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, health apps, and wearable devices. Health tech now encompasses a broad range of subfields, including telehealth, patient data analytics, and digital therapeutics.

As health technology expands, more entry-level research roles for non-scientists are opening up, making it easier for individuals without medical experience to break into the field. For instance, people from backgrounds in software development, data analysis, or user experience design are joining this innovative research area and contributing to advancements that enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. For those eager to work in healthcare without clinical experience, health tech offers one of the best unconventional research careers.

How to Get Started:

• Explore courses in healthcare data science or health technology.

• Consider entry-level positions or internships with health tech companies.

• Attend digital health conferences to learn about the latest industry trends.

4. Humanitarian Technology Research

In the realm of research fields to explore, humanitarian technology research offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference. This field focuses on developing technology to address pressing social and humanitarian issues, such as disaster relief, affordable healthcare, and access to clean water. Humanitarian tech researchers seek to create sustainable, impactful solutions for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

This is an excellent entry-level research career for people looking to make an impact. With organizations increasingly emphasizing the importance of socially responsible research, non-traditional research careers in humanitarian tech are on the rise. You don’t need an engineering background to enter this uncommon research area to pursue—skills in project management, public policy, and even fundraising can be equally valuable.

How to Get Started:

• Volunteer with humanitarian organizations to gain practical experience.

• Take courses in social innovation and humanitarian tech.

• Participate in projects with a focus on global challenges, such as disaster management or clean water access.

5. Space Research and Astrobiology

Space research and astrobiology might initially seem like fields reserved for scientists, recent years have shown that people from various backgrounds are, in fact, making valuable contributions. Additionally, the field is seeing an influx of non-scientists who are interested in studying life beyond Earth, developing new technologies for space exploration, or examining space policy and ethics. Consequently, this shift is opening up exciting opportunities for a broader range of individuals to participate in advancing our understanding of the cosmos.

As private space exploration companies continue to grow, there are now more research fields for non-experts in the space industry than ever before. In fact, it’s entirely possible to join the field as a policy researcher, public relations specialist, or even as an educator in space science outreach. For those fascinated by the cosmos, these research jobs with no experience in engineering or science still offer a clear pathway to exploring humanity’s next frontier. These roles allow newcomers to contribute to the advancement of space exploration from unique, interdisciplinary perspectives.

How to Get Started:

• Join space research groups or clubs to connect with professionals in the field.

• Participate in outreach programs that promote space science to the public.

• Take online courses related to space exploration, astrobiology, or planetary science.

Transitioning to Research: Tips for Beginners

If you’re drawn to these research fields for beginners but feel intimidated by a lack of experience, remember that many research jobs without academic experience are open to those who demonstrate dedication and a willingness to learn. Here are some general tips to help you transition into these open research fields for beginners:

1. Leverage Online Learning

The internet is an incredible resource for learning. With countless online courses available, it’s easier than ever to acquire the knowledge necessary for starting a research career with no experience. For fields such as AI ethics or digital health, many platforms offer beginner courses that introduce key concepts and tools.

2. Network with Industry Professionals

Connecting with those already working in new frontiers in research careers can provide you with invaluable insights. Networking can open doors to internships, mentorship opportunities, and potential job offers in these research industries for newcomers.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Look for volunteer positions or internships to get practical experience. These roles can be stepping stones to more advanced research jobs with no experience requirements. Some employers appreciate candidates with a proven interest in the field, even if their academic background isn’t directly related.

4. Stay Informed on Trends

Research fields are constantly evolving. Subscribing to newsletters, joining industry groups, and attending relevant webinars are great ways to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations. Breaking into research with no prior knowledge often involves continuous learning, as these fields are dynamic and rapidly changing.

Also Read: How the Latest Research Is Redefining Humanities Education?

With so many new research fields to explore, embarking on a career in research is more accessible than ever. From AI ethics to astrobiology, these careers in emerging research fields provide exciting opportunities to make meaningful contributions. Whether you’re switching careers or simply exploring your interests, the diverse and growing range of research fields offers ample paths for those eager to enter new frontiers. With persistence, curiosity, and dedication, you can start your journey in one of these surprising, beginner-friendly research fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I start a research career with no prior academic background?

Yes! Many research paths for career changers are open to those without academic backgrounds. With the right skills, such as analytical thinking and problem-solving, you can contribute to a variety of surprising research opportunities in fields like sustainability, digital health, and humanitarian tech.

2. What are the best research fields for beginners in 2024?

Research fields to consider in 2024 include AI ethics, climate change research, digital health, and humanitarian technology. These areas are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and offer ample growth opportunities.

3. Are there any research fields that don’t require technical skills?

Absolutely! Research industries for newcomers like humanitarian tech, AI ethics, and sustainability often value skills in communication, policy analysis, and social sciences, which means you can enter without deep technical expertise.

4. Where can I find innovative job opportunities in research?

Many unique research positions for starters are found in organizations, startups, and non-profits. Start with online job boards, research-focused recruitment websites, and industry-specific networks to discover entry-level positions.