Applied Research

Basic research, also called pure research or fundamental research, is scientific research aimed to improve scientific theories for improved understanding or prediction of natural or other phenomena.[1] Applied research, in turn, uses scientific theories to develop technology or techniques to intervene and alter natural or other phenomena. Though often driven by curiosity,[2] basic research fuels applied science's innovations.[3] The two aims are often coordinated in research and development.

Although many discoveries have been serendipitous,[2] discovery science specifically seeks discoveries, and, along with theoretical science and experimental science, is now key to basic research and is sometimes expressly planned.[4]

Fundamental research - Definition

"Fundamental research means experimental or theoretical work under taken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any direct practical application or use in view."

Fundamental and applied research

Two kinds of research hand in hand

SCK•CEN undertakes both fundamental and applied scientific research. The two are usually run in tandem and are closely linked to one another. Through fundamental research we study the building blocks and basic principles of nuclear processes without direct regard to specific applications. When our staff devote themselves to applied research – which sometimes is more along the lines of development – they design a solution for specific challenges, in some cases at the request of our partners or clients.

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Some examples

Effect of radioactivity on humans

Fundamental: To gain insight into how human genes react to the ionising radiation from radioactive substances and to study the sensitivity of unborn lives to radiation.

Applied: To collaborate in the development of medicines and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancers, to study the effect of cosmic rays on astronauts, to contribute to the prevention of infertility after irradiation.

Disposal of radioactive waste

Fundamental: To study the characteristics of clay and research into the long-term durability of concrete.

Applied: To conduct disposal experiments in the HADESunderground laboratory, to collaborate in the development of the disposal facility for short-lived low- and medium-level radioactive waste in Dessel.

Protection of the environment

Fundamental:To study of the effects on soil, microbes and plants after contamination with radioactive substances and metals

Applied: designing specific measures for fields and farmland after contamination.

Safe operation of nuclear plants

Fundamental: research into how materials react to ionising radiation, damage modelling (e.g. cracks) and ageing processes.

Applied: To monitor the reactor vessel steel of national and foreign nuclear power plants to ensure their safe operation.

Applied research is a form of systematic inquiry involving the practical application of science. It accesses and uses some part of the research communities' (the academia's) accumulated theories, knowledge, methods, and techniques, for a specific, often state-, business-, or client-driven purpose. Applied research is contrasted with pure research (basic research) in discussion about research ideals, methodologies, programs, and projects.[1] Applied research deals with solving practical problems[2] and generally employs empiricalmethodologies. Because applied research resides in the messy real world, strict research protocols may need to be relaxed. For example, it may be impossible to use a random sample. Thus, transparency in the methodology is crucial. Implications for interpretation of results brought about by relaxing an otherwise strict canon of methodology should also be considered.[citation needed] Since Applied Research has a provisional close to the problem and close to the data orientation it may also use a more provisional conceptual frameworksuch as working hypothesis or pillar questions.[3][4] The OECD's Frascati Manual[5] describes Applied Research as one of the three forms of research, along with Basic research & Experimental Development.