Basic Research uses experimental research to seek new truths and test hypotheses. Applied science seeks to improve or invent devices, methods, or processes so they have better output (e.g., faster or slower, lighter, more efficient, less expensive, more durable, etc.).

Research in basic and applied science at universities both need to be supported by external research grants. At present, the large federal granting agencies increasingly seem to favor making awards for projects with applied research; awards to acquire knowledge for its own sake in basic research studies now are not considered as worthwhile for funding as formerly.

Support by the research grant system for basic research studies now is decreasing while support for applied research studies increases. Knowledge for its own sake always will be important, and is the basis for subsequent developments in applied science and engineering. Both the basic and applied types of research studies are valuable for the science enterprise and society. The current disfavoring of basic research studies should be stopped, because that hurts the future promise of research studies in both basic and applied science; at present, basic science needs to be encouraged more. University scientists must develop and use additional or unconventional means to enable them to conduct the needed basic science investigations.

Yogesh,

Your question is interesting, no doubt, but responses will not be as straightforward as the question comes to mind. I am in complete agreement with a balanced response of Kamal, though I have an inclination for basic research. But, both are necessary as after all use of basic research is found in applications. However, at present and economic scenario on horizon and in view of fund crunch in education, to boost economy, more and more funds are likely to flow to higher education from industry. What will happen, all know well that applied research will get prominence, It will bring highly remunerative jobs for researchers in industry and will help industry to be innovative and educational institution will thrive on this flow of funds.

I completely agree with Kamal. Basic and applied researches ; both are complementary to each other and both are important and essential.

Kamal hits the point, both are important and they complement each other. Fundamental research can yield unpredictable applications in the future, and applied research can yield new fundamental questions for curiosity-driven research. Curiosity is one of the most powerful drivers behind human actions and it cannot be channelled by politicians and research councils who love to know in advance what the research will yield, by which deadlines certain benchmarks will have been achieved and what the overall impact will be. Successful research grants are expected to have accurate time-tables and impact plans, but the best frontier research cannot be predicted in that way. Fundamental research is a luxury of our society, but it cannot be sustained without profitable activities, so applied research to nsyustematicaqlly optimise a process and identify limiting factors may not be as satisfying to the curious researcher but it is just as important to turn ideas into real-life processes. I personally like a balance of both, I enjoy fundamental research, but I also like to focus on applications and explore a process systematically to make it mor efficient. I don't think it is possible to justify priorities in a generalised manner, a one fits all scheme does not work and leaders should decide case by case, based on knowledge rather than prejudice and popularity.

Basic research which is normally intended for exploration and testing of general theories, ideas and questions is driven by curiosity or interest in a scientific question that lays down the foundation for the impending applied research. Applied research is designed and geared towards to solving specific practical problems or resolution of a particular question rather than generating knowledge and enriching the existing knowledge. Basic research is a development or contribution to the theory where the findings are used directly or immediately, whereas, findings of applied research are immediately applied by the decision maker based on their feasibility and sustainability. Many industrial/corporate groups feel that there should be a shift in scientific research. Some researchers also feel that with so many problems today, more attention needs to be focused on the applied sciences. It is important to understand that both of these branches of science work together, and that without the initial research of how things work, it can be difficult to make the improvements that applied scientists are looking to make. In fact, there are many issues where basic state of knowledge is still lacking. Therefore, while facilitating research programmes, importance/practicality of the aspects, problems intend to be addressed should be given due attention whether it is basic or applied.

I agree with Dr Kamal, Mahfuz and Jurgen. Basic research provides the foundation, tools and raw materials for applied research. Behind every applied research output, contribution of basic research derived knowledge should not be overlooked. Basic side of the research coin should be awarded due credit while proclaiming applied discoveries so as to eliminate the trendy misconception that basic research is a frivolous activity of academic world. Further, any applied research may lead back to basic research, and vice versa. Indeed, the two types of research nurture each other.

Research can either be applied research or fundamental (to basic or pure) research. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory.

The central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for some pressing practical problem, whereas basic research is directed towards finding information that has a broad base of applications and thus, adds to the already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.

In a long term view, the funds should be allocated to both basic and applied research as basic research makes the foundation for future applied researches.

The following example (MRI) is taken from attached link:

Magnetic resonance imaging technology is now used widely for diagnosis (a non-invasive technique) and for research, with an increasingly wide variety of applications. Key developments include Carr and Purcell, who in 1954 described the use of magnetic field gradients to relate NMR frequencies to spatial position. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging became a multi-million industry although none of the early scientists had any idea that their work would lead to medical imaging technology of such practical significance.

http://iupab.org/publications/value-of-fundamental-research/

@Palani - You are very right that certain issues need immediate attention and should be solved on priority in applied science.

@Behrouz - Well said dear Behrouz that Basic research makes the foundation for future applied researches"

Precisely, both type of research deserve due attention and support.

Basic Research - will benefit in long run

Applied Research - quick benefit.

Therefore give importance to all immediate requirements but continue parallel the basic research, both are equally essential.

Analogy - Basic Research is like looking after parents; Applied research are your children.

Basic Research uses experimental research to seek new truths and test hypotheses. Applied science seeks to improve or invent devices, methods, or processes so they have better output (e.g., faster or slower, lighter, more efficient, less expensive, more durable, etc.).

Research in basic and applied science at universities both need to be supported by external research grants. At present, the large federal granting agencies increasingly seem to favor making awards for projects with applied research; awards to acquire knowledge for its own sake in basic research studies now are not considered as worthwhile for funding as formerly.

Support by the research grant system for basic research studies now is decreasing while support for applied research studies increases. Knowledge for its own sake always will be important, and is the basis for subsequent developments in applied science and engineering. Both the basic and applied types of research studies are valuable for the science enterprise and society. The current disfavoring of basic research studies should be stopped, because that hurts the future promise of research studies in both basic and applied science; at present, basic science needs to be encouraged more. University scientists must develop and use additional or unconventional means to enable them to conduct the needed basic science investigations.

Dear All,

Yes both of them are important and I think that the basic research is a way to achieve the applied research. Many facts have emerged After a many basic research.

Basic and Applied Research can be related and are complementary and should be able to invest any time and we

Both, basic and applied research, are important and reinforcing each other. Basic research gives ways to applied research and applied research gives further cues for basic research.

As both are important, there is need to allocate funding for both type of researches and both are in priority in their own ways.

Both are important but I would rather prefer applied research to solving the real world problems.

Unquestionably, both basic and applies research are essential as stated by all the respondents. Translating scientific research into concrete products has been increasingly important. Entire Whole industrial sector across the world is built around the notion of developing new commodities and services from basic research as quickly as possible. As a result of these new economic developments, the strict division between basic and applied research has weakened, until the boundaries have become obsolete and sometimes artificial.

Good observation by Behrouz Ahmadi-Nedushan:

Support by the research grant system for basic research studies now is decreasing while support for applied research studies increases.

I have seen mathematics papers which do not bother about any applications at all. In those papers, the authors prove a set of theorems using some classical or new techniques, and conclude saying that they have derived those results. That's all. On the other hand, applied research studies deal with real world problems, and funding agencies like supporting those research studies hoping that the funds contribute to some applicable methodology and technology.

Like Fikrat mentioned  both  are important and basic research fuels applied research. While I agree with Dr. George Smoot in his quote, there is a part missing. Even if we did pure research we would still be making spears if there weren't scientists bridging the gap between basic science and applied science.

Since the beginning of our existence on earth, the way we live and the techniques we use to solve problems change in complexity and efficiency due to the advancement of abstract thinking and creation of abstract theories whose bases seem reasonable and consistent which lead to the direct application of these theories to solve real problems.

Therefore they both are twin spheres of intellectual discourse in which the maturity of one is a leverage for the maturity of the other, which requires society to equally fund both. The development of pure mathematics leads to its immense applications to applied fields of endeavours.

At the same time the development of applied fields demand expanding or creating new theories to be tested and solve better a new applied problem, since as long as we continue to live on earth in this form, problems are changing and  new ones are being created  in complexity and therefore theories of higher complexities should be developed as well. 

Both applied research and basic research. These types of studies are complementary to each. Every kind is important and relevant, and can be socially useful for the development of individual societies and the world as a whole. For this reason, all the countries and / or international organizations need to find money in their budgets for applied research and basic research.

t.

Fundamental research and Applied research are complementary factors like the two sides of a coin. They  Without developments in the fields of fundamental research area, there will not be significant contributions from the applied research.  applied research is a motivation and fulfilment of the fundamental research. Both have their own significance and impact. Hence, the resources should be allocated to both areas in an equally and justifiable manner.

It is true that scientific research is divided into basic research & applied research. However, understanding the difference between the 2 types will allow one to select the type that best fits the topics under  investigation.

Basic research is concerned with increasing our knowledge of the world and not to invent something new so there is no obvious immediate  commercial value in research of this type.

For example, basic research  may aim at finding answers to questions such as

"How did the universe begin? Is the universe static or dynamic ? How so many simple & complex reactions are well-coordinated within the human body? Can

 modification of the genetic code prevent cancer?...".

Many scholars believe that a basic understanding of science is necessary in order to make progress towards the applied science that follows. In other words, basic work must be done first and then the applied can take the research further on.

Applied research seeks solving existing  problems of the modern world, rather than to just attain knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Besides gaining profits, one main aim of applied science is to improve human conditions and make the world a better place. For example, applied research may be interested in investigating ways to "improve crop production, increase energy efficiency of machines, finding alternative better medicine to  treat or cure a specific disease, formulating a detergent that allows washing machines to function  well with cold water…".

I believe that there should be a shift in scientific research. With so many problems facing the world today, more applied research is needed  to help in solving global problems.

Both types of research complement each other & work together but I emphasize more of applied research.

NCN is a government agency, supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, set up in 2011 to support basic research in Poland. NCN funds projects in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences and Engineering. The NCN has set up 10 types of funding schemes dedicated to researchers at different stages of their career.

Proof-of-concept type grants, combining basic and applied research

TANGO is a funding scheme that enables scientists, engineers and scholars to turn their projects in basic research into solutions and products that may benefit populations and economies in a direct way. Funding opportunity is organised by the NCN together with the NCBR (National Centre for Research and Development).

https://www.ncn.gov.pl/o-ncn/zadania-ncn?language=en

The history of research may tell us who set priorities, why and how. It will be interesting to document and analyze how the "who, why and how" evolved and continuously evolves.I would surmise that it will have some semblance on the "who, why, and how" of universities.

A great contribution from  Krishnan Umachandran.  Most important information about marketing knowledge. May I transfer this idea to our university.  This issue is important to convert the basic research to applied research.

Funding the basic research is a long term investments and should not be ignored

The difference between basic, or pure, and applied science was beautifully illustrated by J.J. Thomson - the discoverer of the electron - in a speech delivered in 1916 [Quoted on p. 198 of "The Life of Sir J.J. Thomson", Lord Rayleigh, Cambridge University Press, 1942]:

"By research in pure science I mean research made without any idea of application to industrial matters but solely with the view of extending our knowledge of the Laws of Nature. I will give just one example of the "utility" of this kind of research, one that has been brought into great prominence by the War - I mean the use of X-rays in surgery...

Now how was this method discovered? It was not the result of a research in applied science starting to find an improved method of locating bullet wounds. This might have led to improved probes, but we cannot imagine it leading to the discovery of the X-rays. No, this method is due to an investigation in pure science, made with the object of discovering what is the nature of Electricity."

Thomson went on to say that applied science leads to improvements in old methods, while pure science leads to new methods, and that "applied science leads to reforms, pure, science leads to revolutions and revolutions, political or scientific, are powerful things if you are on the winning side". The important and very difficult question for those responsible for funding science is how to be on the winning side.

Governments have a special responsibility to fund basic science while applied science can generally be left to industry

For more details, see:

http://www-zeuthen.desy.de/~jknapp/JK/Reading_files/basic_science.html

Funding the basic research is vital as Basic research feeds applied research

The findings of basic science are sometimes shelved without an obvious immediate use, but exploring uncharted areas of knowledge is the sort of thing that can create revolutions in science.  The fact that applied research has a goal in mind from the very beginning makes it easier for results to be used outside of academia, so it’s not hard to see why applied research has become so much more attractive to funding agencies.  But in the end they’re really not that different; despite their separate goals the types of results they yield are often the same.

Very true dear Behrouz "exploring uncharted areas of knowledge is the sort of thing that can create revolutions in science".

Basic research is foundation for applied research. If basic research is very costly, the commercialization of research (---technology ---) is also very costly. So, both should be  put on priority equally while allocating funds and resources.

Yes dear Subhash, all applied research are based on the knowledge and technical know-how derived out of basic research. Both type of research venture have their own importance per se deserve proper attention and support.

BASIC RESEARCH IS ALONG-TERM INVESTMENT WHICH EVENTUALLY PAYS OFF

There are three benefits of fundamental (basic) research: (1) acquisition of new knowledge; (2) social benefits to society; and (3) economic gains.

Basic research does only promise a contribution to question, not to anything else, but it can give the most unexpected applications. The GPS−system, for instance, is an application of the theory of relativity. We can draw a borderline between basic and applied research by sorting questions into those with or without knowledge as aim.

The funding of fundamental research is an investment rather than a cost. Our job as scientists is to convince governments, particularly those labelled economic rationalists, that there is both a financial return and an even greater social benefit.

BASIC RESEARCH: WHO DOES IT? HOW IS IT FUNDED?

National traditions vary. In some countries, particularly those of the former Eastern bloc, the National Academies play a major role in the development of basic research while in other such as Germany the Max Planck Institutes are strong contributors to fundamental research. In many countries much of the basic research is done in universities, many of which are heavily funded by governments (i.e. taxpayers).

SOURCES: 

http://iupab.org/publications/value-of-fundamental-research/

http://www.oecd.org/science/sci-tech/2674543.pdf

Your are right Dear Behrouz, Basic research enrich the scientific knowledge based can give the most unexpected applications. However, private sectors are not coming forward to sponsor such research  which are heavily funded by governments at the cost of taxpayers.