Research Classification Codes

Research Classification Codes Links

Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC), 2008

ANZSRC is a compendium of three classifications developed specifically for the compilation of standardised research and development statistics. It comprises classifications for type of activity, field of research and socio-economic objective.

Field of Research (FOR) Codes

The ANZSRC FOR allows R&D activity to be categorised according to the methodology used in the R&D, rather than the activity of the unit performing the R&D or the purpose of the R&D.The FOR is a hierarchical classification with three levels, namely Divisions (2 digits), Groups (4 digits) and Fields (6 digits). Each level is identified by a unique number.

Each Division is based on a broad discipline. Groups within each Division are those which share the same broad methodology, techniques and/or perspective as others in the Division. Each Group is a collection of related Fields of research. Groups and Fields of research are categorised to the Divisions sharing the same methodology rather than the Division they support.

Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) Codes

The ANZSRC SEO classification allows R&D activity in Australia and New Zealand to be categorised according to the intended purpose or outcome of the research, rather than the processes or techniques used in order to achieve this objective.

The SEO is a hierarchical classification with four levels, namely Sector (letter), Divisions (2 digits), Groups (4 digits) and Objectives (6 digits).

Type of Activity Classification

Four types of activity applicable to R&D are recognised in this classification:

• Pure basic research is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to acquire new knowledge without looking for long term benefits other than the advancement of knowledge.
• Strategic basic research is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to acquire new knowledge directed into specified broad areas in the expectation of practical discoveries. It provides the broad base of knowledge necessary for the solution of recognised practical problems.
• Applied research is original work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge with a specific application in view. It is undertaken either to determine possible uses for the findings of basic research or to determine new ways of achieving some specific and predetermined objectives.
• Experimental development is systematic work, using existing knowledge gained from research or practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products, devices, policies, behaviours or outlooks; to installing new processes, systems and services; or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.

Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) was developed by the Australian Bureau or Statistics for use in the compilation and analysis of industry statistics in Australia and New Zealand. The ANZSIC is a hierarchical classification comprising four levels, namely Divisions (the highest level of the classification), Subdivisions, Groups and Classes (the lowest level of the classification).

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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.

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.