Definition of Research
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.
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