Forskningsfältet

Forskningsfältet (the Swedish term for “the research field”) refers to a defined area of inquiry within the broader landscape of science and scholarship. It encompasses a set of topics, methods, theories, and questions that collectively form a recognizable field of study. Fields can be disciplinary, such as physics or sociology, or interdisciplinary, combining approaches from multiple disciplines.

Researchers often delineate a Forskningsfältet to focus questions, design studies, and communicate findings. Funding agencies and universities use field classifications to allocate resources, structure evaluation exercises, and map research activity. The boundaries between fields are porous; new fields emerge from cross-cutting problems, while old fields may merge or fragment.

Identifying a Forskningsfältet typically relies on bibliometric methods and expert judgment: keyword analysis, co-citation networks, journal specializations, and research group profiles. Descriptions may be found in department programs, grant calls, and national classification systems.

Examples of evolving Forskningsfält include data science, climate resilience, and digital humanities, illustrating how technology and societal needs drive reconfiguration of fields. The concept emphasizes not only topics but also methods, communities of practice, and shared aims.