I would go talk to scientists and try to understand deeply what they’re working on, how they do it, and what systems (social/technical/political) allow them to do it. I’ve done this a few times and it’s always illuminating and inspiring.
Correct. How do you connect with scientists when not working in an university like you do? Getting an email from a nobody offering help for free does sound like a scam.
One answer would be "Enroll into an university". Others?
