perustiede

Perustiede is a Finnish term that translates to "basic science" or "fundamental science" in English. It refers to scientific research conducted with the aim of advancing knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles and phenomena, rather than for immediate practical application or commercialization. This type of research explores the underlying laws of nature and the universe, often involving theoretical work, experimentation, and observation.

The motivations behind perustiede are primarily intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. While the direct applications of basic science may not be immediately apparent, it forms the bedrock upon which applied science and technological innovation are built. Many technologies we rely on today, such as lasers, semiconductors, and antibiotics, originated from fundamental research that was not initially driven by specific societal needs.

Perustiede is typically conducted in universities and research institutions, often supported by public funding or grants. It can encompass a wide range of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and astronomy. The progress in basic science is crucial for long-term societal development, as it expands our understanding of the world and opens up new avenues for solving complex problems. The distinction between basic and applied science is not always clear-cut, as research can often have elements of both.