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General Information
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Glossary
Applied Research
Basic Research
Complex Systems
Experimental Development
Fields of Science and Technology
Genome-Phenome Link
Innovation
Nano-materials and Bio-materials
Photon Science and Technology
Research and (experimental) Development (R&D)
Science
Strategic Basic Research
Applied Research
Original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge but
is directed primarily towards a specific, practical aim or objective.
Basic Research
Experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge
of the underlying phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application
or use in view.
- Pure basic research – is carried out for the advancement of knowledge, without working for long-term economic or social benefits and with no positive efforts being made to apply the results to practical problems or to transfer the results to sectors responsible for its application.
- Oriented strategic basic research – is carried out with the expectation that it will produce a broad base of knowledge likely to form the background to the solution of recognised or expected current or future problems or possibilities.
Complex Systems
Real-world systems are almost always made up from a large number of interacting
components. This leads to complex behaviour that is difficult to understand,
predict and manage. Research on complex systems is often undertaken by mathematicians,
statisticians, engineers, and information and computer scientists. It will contribute
to improvements in areas such as the internet, air traffic and transport control,
power systems, robotics, irrigation and land management, defence, manufacturing
and finance, as well as ecology and biology.
Experimental Development
Systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or
practical experience, that is directed to producing new materials, products or devices,
to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially
those already produced or installed.
Fields of Science and Technology
- Natural sciences - mathematics and computer science; physical sciences chemical sciences; earth and related environmental sciences; biological sciences
- Engineering and technology - civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical etc
- Medical sciences - basic medicine; clinical medicine and health sciences
- Agricultural sciences - agricultural, forestry, fisheries and allied sciences veterinary sciences
- Social sciences - psychology; economics; educational sciences, anthropology and ethnology; geography, demography, town and country planning; management, law, linguistics, political sciences; and sociology
- Humanities - history, languages and literature, philosophy, arts, history of art, art criticism, painting, sculpture, musicology, dramatic art, religion, theology.
Genome-Phenome Link
The complete description of the human genome and those of other organisms has
been a major achievement of modern science. Although molecular biologists have
been very successful in identifying and manipulating genes, the control of gene
expression and the interactions of gene products which lead ultimately to the
expression of a unique phenotype are poorly understood. Research in this area
will contribute to the development of gene therapies and the genetic improvement
of plants and animals of agricultural importance by gene transfer which may lead,
among other things, to the eradication of inherited disease and to a solution
to the world's food problems.
Innovation
Innovation is the process that translates knowledge into economic growth and
social well-being. It encompasses a series of scientific, technological, organisational,
financial and commercial activities. Research is only one of these activities
and may be carried out at different phases of the innovative process.
Nano-materials and Bio-materials
Nano-scale assemblies of atoms and molecules have properties totally unlike
those of bulk materials. Research on them will lead to advances in computing,
chemical processing, molecular motors, implantable sensors and many other
areas. Bio-materials, either natural or artificial, are particularly important
for agricultural production and human health. Research will lead to new biosensors, tissue reconstruction
procedures and new forms of energy conversion and environmental management based
on biological systems.
Photon Science and Technology
Light, X-rays and radio waves are examples of different forms of photons. Australian
research in photon sciences leads the world in areas such as solar energy conversion,
optical instrumentation for telescopes and optical communication components.
Better lasers for medical and industrial applications, new optical fibres
for improved communications, and exciting new forms of visual arts are among
the expected outcomes of intensified research in photon science and technology.
Research and (experimental)
Development (R&D)
Comprises creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase
the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture, society, and the
use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.
Science
The systematic study of humans and their environment based on the deductions
and inferences which can be made, and the general laws which can be formulated,
from reproducible observations and measurements of events and parameters within
the universe. (Macquarie Dictionary)
