While the history of research can be traced back to ancient times, the concept of basic research as we understand it today, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as scientists faced increasing questions and expectations regarding the usefulness of their work. Initially, this term was introduced to bridge the gap between the promise of practical applications and basic scientific inquiry. It refers to research efforts that expand our understanding by exploring fundamental principles and theories without any immediate practical application in mind.
Over the years, as basic research became more formalized, the distinction between basic and applied research became more evident. Increasing industrialization and rapidly evolving technological advancements have been driving the need for more targeted, problem-solving applied research alongside basic research. In this article, we will talk a look at the objectives, outcomes, and methodologies of basic research and explain how it differs from applied research.
Objectives of basic research
The most important goal of basic research is to increase our understanding of things. It seeks to answer questions like “why” and “how” and aims to uncover new knowledge, which could eventually lead to breakthroughs that have practical applications. A classic example of basic research is the work of Albert Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity. This groundbreaking theory, based on mathematical equations, revolutionized our understanding of space, time, gravity, and the universe. Although Einstein may not have quite grasped the practical applications of his theory, it has since become the foundation for many recent technological advancements like GPS systems and nuclear energy.
Outcomes of basic research
While basic research doesn’t always have immediate practical outcomes, it is essential for long-term scientific advancements across different scientific fields. It helps researchers to formulate and refine theories that could lead to unexpected, but invaluable discoveries, such as penicillin or X-rays, which were not initially sought but revolutionized medicine and technology.
Methodology of basic research
Basic research follows a structured and systematic approach that typically involves careful observation, experimentation, and data analysis. As a first step, researchers must formulate a clear and specific hypotheses based on existing knowledge and then design experiments to test their validity. If the hypothesis is supported, it may contribute to the development of new theories or refine existing ones Once completed, it is important to forward research findings for rigorous peer reviews to ensure their quality and validity.
What is applied research?
Unlike basic research, applied research focuses on solving specific, practical problems. Its goal is to take the knowledge generated by basic research and apply it to real-world challenges. For instance, applied research in bio-chemistry may involve developing new treatments or drugs, for diseases like Alzhiemer’s and Parkinsons, based on the foundational knowledge of biology and chemistry.
Basic research vs. Applied research
While both basic and applied research are essential for scientific progress, there are some fundamental differences between the two:
| Basic Research | Applied Research |
| The objective of basic research is to expand our understanding of various phenomena through scientific theoretical exploration | The goal of applied research is to solve specific, real-world problems through a practical application of knowledge |
| Basic research often has a long-term impact | Applied research delivers short to medium term results |
| Follows a theoretical approach, asking questions and that could lead to unexpected results | Follows a problem-solving approach with targeted experiments |
| The outcomes of basic research rarely have any immediate applications | The findings of applied research usually directly address specific challenges and problem |
Given the differences between the two approaches of research, the obvious question that may arise is ‘which is a better approach to follow? Determining which research approach is better depends on the context and goals of the research. Both are crucial for scientific and technological advancement and ideally, should be pursued in tandem, as they complement each other and drive innovation.
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