Finished ML + DL — what should I do next? [D]

I’ve recently completed learning Machine Learning and Deep Learning, including the mathematics behind the major concepts and algorithms rather than just learning to use libraries.

My long-term goal is to eventually become capable of doing research at the level of NeurIPS, ICML, and ICLR. I’m not expecting to jump directly to those conferences, that’s simply the end goal.

So I’d like advice on the following things:

1. What projects should I build next?
2. What should I learn next?
3. How should I start doing research?
4. What is a realistic roadmap toward publishing at top ML conferences?