Uurimisalal

Uurimisalal is an Estonian term used in academic and scientific writing to mean “in the field of research.” It is the inessive singular form of the noun uurimisala, which literally translates as “research area” or “field of study.” The form denotes the domain, scope, or subject matter of research activities and is used with verbs of location or activity, such as töötab (works) or tegeleb (is involved in).

Etymology and form: The word uurimisala combines uurimus (research) and ala (area). The inessive suffix -alal yields uurimisalal, expressing “in the field of X.” This inflection is standard for indicating location within a domain in Estonian grammar.

Usage: In formal Estonian, uurimisalal is common in academic articles, grant proposals, institutional descriptions, and CVs when stating focus areas. It contrasts with uurimisala (nominative) or uurimisvaldkond (field or domain) used to refer to the general area rather than a specific location of activity.

Examples: Ta töötab uurimisalal. (He/She works in the field of research.) Uuring keskendub uurimisalale geneetika ja molekulaarbioloogia kontekstis. (The study focuses on the field of research in the context of genetics and molecular biology.) Uurimisalal on viimastel aastatel toimunud märkimisväärseid edusamme. (Significant advances have occurred in the field of research in recent years.)

See also: Uurimisala, Uurimisvaldkond, Eesti keele grammatika.