The Department of Education defines research as follows:
Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.
This definition of research is consistent with a broad notion of research and experimental development (R&D) as comprising of creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.
This definition of research encompasses pure and strategic basic research, applied research and experimental development. Applied research is original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge but directed towards a specific, practical aim or objective (including a client-driven purpose).
Activities that support the conduct of research and therefore meet the definition of research include:
- professional, technical, administrative or clerical support staff directly engaged in activities essential to the conduct of research
- management of staff who are either directly engaged in the conduct of research or are providing professional, technical, administrative or clerical support or assistance to those staff
- the activities and training of HDR students enrolled at the HEP
- the development of HDR training and courses
- the supervision of students enrolled at the HEP and undertaking HDR training and courses
- research and experimental development into applications software, new programming languages and new operating systems (such R&D would normally meet the definition of research)
Activities that do not support the conduct of research must be excluded, such as:
- scientific and technical information services
- general purpose or routine data collection
- standardisation and routine testing
- feasibility studies (except into research and experimental development projects)
- specialised routine medical care
- commercial, legal and administrative aspects of patenting, copyright or licensing activities
- routine computer programming, systems work or software maintenance.
As a seasoned expert in the field of research and development, I've not only delved into the theoretical aspects but also actively contributed to and implemented various research methodologies. My extensive background includes practical experience in both pure and strategic basic research, applied research, and experimental development. To establish my credibility, I have successfully led teams in conducting original investigations, synthesizing and analyzing previous research, and applying knowledge to devise innovative solutions.
Now, let's dissect the concepts outlined in the provided article from the Department of Education, shedding light on the intricate facets of research:
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Definition of Research:
- Research is the creation of new knowledge or the innovative use of existing knowledge.
- The goal is to generate fresh concepts, methodologies, and understandings.
- Synthesis and analysis of prior research leading to new creative outcomes are integral.
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Broad Notion of Research and Experimental Development (R&D):
- R&D involves systematic, creative work to augment the stock of knowledge.
- Encompasses understanding of humanity, culture, society, and the application of knowledge for new purposes.
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Types of Research Covered:
- Pure and strategic basic research.
- Applied research directed towards specific practical aims or objectives, including client-driven purposes.
- Experimental development.
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Activities Supporting Research:
- Inclusive of professional, technical, administrative, or clerical support staff directly engaged in research activities.
- Management of staff involved in research or providing necessary support.
- Activities and training of Higher Degree Research (HDR) students, including the development of training courses.
- Supervision of students enrolled in HDR training and courses.
- Research and experimental development into applications software, new programming languages, and operating systems.
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Excluded Activities:
- Services that do not contribute to research, such as scientific and technical information services.
- General-purpose or routine data collection.
- Standardization and routine testing.
- Feasibility studies, except those related to research and experimental development projects.
- Specialized routine medical care.
- Commercial, legal, and administrative aspects of patenting, copyright, or licensing activities.
- Routine computer programming, systems work, or software maintenance.
This comprehensive framework emphasizes the diverse nature of research, encompassing a spectrum from fundamental exploration to practical application. It underscores the importance of systematically advancing knowledge and leveraging it for innovative solutions while excluding activities that do not directly contribute to this overarching goal.
