Pivot to new frontiers: how three UK researchers say to switch fields

Switching research fields can spur innovation, but timing and fit matter: early pivots may hurt productivity, while later moves can be more successful as interdisciplinarity grows to tackle complex problems. Three UK leaders—Mary Collins, Paul Nurse and Jenny Read—offer practical advice: gain exposure to the new field through a secondment or travelling fellowship; identify a resonant question and the skills you’ll need; choose institutions with flexible cultures and open hiring practices; and be bold in pursuing opportunities, including cold emails. Build resilience with self-teaching and networks, and use AI as a learning aid, all while staying aware of your limits and aiming for environments that support cross-disciplinary work.