Research classifications

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) 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 and New Zealand.

The three constituent classifications included in the ANZSRC are:

Type of Activity (ToA)
Fields of Research (FoR)
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO).

The current version of the ANZSRC classifications was released on 30 June 2020 and UQ formally adopted the classifications in early 2021. Details of the 2020 classifications can be accessed here.

Should you wish to convert any existing 2008 classifications to the current version, there is a list of correspondences available on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website.

Types of Activity (ToA)

This classification allows research and experimental development (R&D) activity to be categorised according to the type of research effort. Where possible, a research project should be allocated to a single ToA:

Pure basic research

Basic research carried out for the advancement of knowledge, without seeking long-term economic or social benefits or making any effort to apply the results to practical problems or to transfer the results to sectors responsible for their application.

Strategic basic research

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

Original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge with a specific application in view. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific, practical aim or objective.

Experimental research

Systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience, and producing additional knowledge which is directed to producing new products or processes, or to improving existing products or processes.

Fields of Research (FoR)

This classification allows R&D activity to be categorised according to common knowledge domains and/or methodologies used in the R&D. FoR is a hierarchical classification and includes three levels:

Divisions (at the broadest level, 2-digit)
Groups (4-digit); and
Fields (at the finest level, 6-digit).

This structure is illustrated in the following example:

Division	31 Biological Sciences
Group	3103 Ecology
Field	310301 Behavioural Ecology

Socio-Economic Objectives (SEO)

This classification allows R&D to be categorised according to the intended purpose or outcome of the R&D as perceived by the data provider or researcher. SEO is a hierarchical classification and includes three levels:

Divisions (at the broadest level, 2-digit)
Groups (4-digit); and
Objectives (at the finest level, 6-digit).

This structure is illustrated in the following example:

Division	20 Health
Group	2003 Provision of Health and Support Services
Objective	200307 Nursing