I'm a PhD student in computer science.

A few days before I started my PhD, my supervisor sent me a new proposal which was a different topic from the one that I proposed in the application. I had no option, rather to agree. After a few months, I started realizing my main supervisor was not specialized in the research area. I started to have a doubt about him. However, with some idea, I passed my proposal defence in my first year. He didn't know what the hell I was doing.

A few months later after my proposal defence, He called me and talked to suggesting to remove him as the supervisor by giving some excuse that he didn't want to simply in the supervisor team without contributing anything. I'm not sure whether this is the right reason or just an excuse to leave me. I changed my supervisor to someone who has no knowledge at all in the area and still doesn't understand the area till now. I had to change my supervisor since the previous supervisor asked me to do so.

Now, I'm in my third year. I'm still not clear with what I'm doing. I'm still working on the idea. The idea is like something to solve a particular problem using a particular approach. I have tried some existing algorithm, it seems it doesn't work. These algorithms have not been applied in my area. I'm benchmarking the results of those algorithms.

I haven't developed any new algorithm so far. I haven't came out with any novel work so far.

What should I do?

Hi, this sounds like a rather confusing situation. I would say the best thing to do is to try and speak to a few people who do know the area well and who can take a look at what you have done and give you good and honest advice. I say a few people because it is always good to get more than one opinion. Hope this helps.

Actually, my meaning was that it sounds like quite a confusing situation for you, not for me. I mean, you are three years in but still not clear on what you are doing. And your supervisor seems to be abandoning you but you aren't sure. And your new supervisor has no knowledge in the area. I'd definitely be seeking some reassurance from someone at this stage about whether they thought I was on track and if not then what I needed to do to try and get on track. Can't see any other logical way forward.

I am in a similar situation, though have had the same supervisors for both my research masters and my PhD, so its no fault of their own that I went and decided to use a method that no one at my department has any experience with. To counter this, I went to conferences and met with experts is that field. I was able to organise an short research stay where I collaborated with him and his team. I would suggest possibly doing the same, either through a conference or just e-mailing them.