põhiuuringud

Põhiuuringud (basic research) are investigations driven by curiosity to expand knowledge about fundamental aspects of reality, without an immediate obligation to deliver practical applications. They contrast with applied research, which seeks to solve specific problems, and with development, which aims to create new products, processes, or technologies.

Scope and focus include natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, often exploring underlying theories, mechanisms, or phenomena. Basic research may generate new hypotheses, develop theoretical frameworks, or discover phenomena that later enable applied advances. It is typically long-term and its outcomes are not always predictable in advance.

Methods used in põhiuuringud rely on systematic observation, measurement, experimentation, modeling, or theoretical analysis. They are usually conducted in universities or public research institutes and are evaluated through peer review, replication, and publication in scholarly journals.

Importance and funding: Basic research builds the foundations of scientific knowledge, enabling future technological progress and informed decision-making. It is commonly funded from public sources, universities, and foundations. International frameworks, such as the OECD Frascati Manual, classify research into basic, applied, and experimental development.

Estonia context: In Estonia, põhijuuringud are supported as part of the national R&D strategy by universities and research councils, aiming to strengthen science across disciplines. Outcomes contribute to long-term knowledge creation, education, and broader societal and economic development.