Robotics & AI
Robotics and AI (artificial intelligence) are just two of the many exciting new technological developments in recent years. While robotics focuses on the design, development and use of robotics, AI is working to programme machines so they have human-like capabilities. The two sectors are interlinked, as scientists are trying to build robots that have AI technology integrated in them. These robots can then complete jobs that are too monotonous, dangerous or otherwise not enjoyable for humans. Robotics and AI engineers work to make these robots come to life.
Climate Science
The devastating effects of climate change have been seen all around the world. As a result, there has been a renewed interest in climate change, and what we can do to help solve this crisis. If you’re more interested in conducting research, climate scientists (aka climatologists) study changes in the Earth’s climate over a long period of time. Doing so allows us to predict future climate changes, meaning we can prepare for the impacts or enact legislation to prevent it.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer a more practical role, renewable energy engineers help to produce renewable sources of energy, by deciding on locations for generation and designing equipment. Using renewable energy reduces air pollution, eliminates worries about supplies running out and decreases greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s an excellent way to help the planet.
Medical Physics
Society is continuously looking for new ways to protect our health: the rise of wearable technologies and new treatment methods are just two examples of this. A career within this field is the perfect way to combine an interest in medicine and physics. You’ll get to use physics skills to develop new medicines, or healthcare systems that diagnose conditions faster and more efficiently. It’s incredibly fulfilling knowing that something you worked on helped improve patient outcomes.
Lasers & Photonics
Photonics is an incredibly exciting new field within science. It refers to the use of light to generate energy and transit information. One of the best things about this field is the range of sectors you can work across: from healthcare to telecommunications and even security. The telecommunications industry uses photonics to improve the speed and capacity of virtual communications, while research shows photonics can change healthcare as we know it. Light can detect and measure illnesses with incredible speed and accuracy, meaning patients can start treatment earlier and have better chances of survival.