You might think researchers only lurk in universities and research centres, but we can be found almost anywhere – including running our own businesses.

Freelance researchers aren't tied to a particular institution, instead offering their services to governments, organisations, NGOs, businesses, and sometimes even individuals who need specialist researchers or consultants for a project.

Freelance researchers vary in skillsets, specialities, and qualifications. No matter the field you operate in, you can probably find a freelance researcher who specialises in what you need.

For example, my field is in environmental and biological sciences, and I have a PhD.

Some may work in education and have a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Others may have extensive experience in grant writing but don't have a higher-education degree.

Whether you want a freelance researcher to do some analyses or syntheses or act in an advisory role, the researcher should treat the work with the same rigour and ethics as if they were an employee at a research institution or university.

Hiring a freelance researcher is much like hiring any other type of freelancer. If you've never hired a freelancer before, it can seem a daunting experience, but there are many pros to working with a freelancer on your project.