Field of Research (FoR) Coding

The Fields of Research Codes are part of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC), which is jointly produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Statistics New Zealand (Statistics NZ).

ANZSRC is a compendium of three classifications and comprises classifications for Field of Research (FoR), Socio-economic Objective (SEO), and Type of Activity. FoR classification allows R&D activity (in particular, research methodology) to be categorised according to the field of research. FoR categories include major fields of research investigated by national research institutions and organisations, and emerging areas of study. An updated ANZSRC was released in 2020.

FoR hierarchical structure

The FoR has three hierarchical levels, namely divisions (at the broadest level), groups, and fields (at the finest level). Divisions, groups and fields are assigned unique 2-digit, 4-digit, and 6-digit codes respectively.

The hierarchical structure of the FoR is as illustrated below:

Further information

• UoA ERA FoR coding guidelines
• 2020 FoR codes - Aria
• 2020 FoR codes - ABS
• Other research classifications