Research Classification Codes

The Australian Standard Research Classification is the collective name for a set of three related classifications developed for use in the measurement and analysis of research and experimental development (R&D) undertaken in Australia, both in the public and private sectors. It allows the comparison of R&D data between sectors of the Australian economy (e.g. general government, private non-profit organisations, business enterprises and educational institutions).

RFCD Codes (formerly known as FORC codes)
RFCD Codes corresponding to ARC Discipline Panels (rtf)

This Australian Standard Classification coding system allows both R&D activity and other activity within the higher education sector to be categorised according to the field of research undertaken. The categories in the classification include recognised academic disciplines and related major sub-fields taught at universities or tertiary institutions, major fields of research investigated by national research institutions and organisations, as well as emerging areas of study.

The RFCD classification is arranged in a hierarchical structure. It is using divisions (22), disciplines (~ 140) and subjects (~ 900).

SEO Codes

The Socio-economic Objective codes are the standard codes used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to classify research activity in Australia. The SEO Classification allows R&D data to be classified according to the perceived purpose. The purpose categories take account of processes, products, health, education and other social and environmental aspects of particular interest.

ANZSIC Codes

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) has been developed for use in both countries for the production and analysis of industry statistics. There has been extensive consultation to ensure that the ANZSIC reflects the structure of Australian and New Zealand industry and user requirements for statistics. The Australian Bureau of Statistics and the New Zealand Department of Statistics encourage organisations to use the classification in order to improve the comparability and usefulness of statistics. In the development of the ANZSIC emphasis has been placed on alignment with the international standards.

ABS R&D Codes- Type of Activity Classification

This classification allows R&D activity to be categorised according to the type of research effort, namely, pure basic research, strategic basic research, applied research and experimental development.

National Research Priorities

On 5 December 2002, the Prime Minister announced four National Research Priorities and their associated priority goals:

An Environmentally Sustainable Australia;

Promoting and Maintaining Good Health;

Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries; and

Safeguarding Australia.

These four areas provide a vision for research by focusing research effort on key challenges for Australia today and into the future. They build on strengths while seeking new opportunities in emerging areas. They aim to strengthen collaboration between research bodies and with industry, and build critical mass of excellence in those key research areas.

NHMRC Research Classification Codes

The Broad Research Area, Field of Research, Broad Health Area and Socio-Economic Objectives used by the NHMRC have been developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and published as the Australian Standard Research Classification 1998 edition.