Research Branch
Field of Research (FoR) Codes
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND STANDARD RESEARCH CLASSIFICATION (ANZSRC)
ABS Catalogue No. 1297.0 – 31 March 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/[email protected]/Latestproducts/6BB427AB9696C225CA2574180004463E
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FIELDS OF RESEARCH
This classification allows R&D activity to be categorised according to the field of research. In this
respect, it is the methodology used in the R&D rather than the activity of the unit performing the
R&D or the purpose of the R&D that is being considered. The categories in the classification include
major fields of research investigated by national research institutions and organisations, and
emerging areas of study.
Structure of the FoR Classification
The FoR has three hierarchical levels, namely Divisions (at the broadest level), Groups and Fields
(at the finest level). The Division represents a broad subject area or research discipline while groups
and fields within represent increasingly detailed dissections of these categories. Divisions, Groups
and Fields are assigned unique 2-digit; 4-digit; and 6-digit codes respectively. The FoR classification
has 22 Divisions, 157 Groups and 1238 Fields.
The hierarchical structure of the FoR is illustrated below:
•
•
•
Level
Division
Group
Field
Example
09 Engineering
0901 Aerospace Engineering
090101 Aerodynamics (excl. Hypersonic Aerodynamics)
Guidelines for Classifying by Fields of Research
Consistent use of the following general procedures should ensure consistent and successful use of
the classification among users. A research project or research program is to be allocated to a FoR
field in a hierarchical manner. This is achieved by: - first determining the division in which the largest
component of the research project or research program is being performed; then - determining the
most relevant group within that division; and then - determining the most relevant field within that
group.
If the project or program is sufficiently large or complex (in terms of research areas) then multiple
fields should be selected and attributed with a proportion of resources relative to the total R&D
expenditure of the project or program. If the disaggregation is difficult, consideration of relative
importance may indicate a primary field only.
ERA requires the use of the 4-digit group level. This method can still be applied where the field level
and the associated exclusions are used to assist in the assignment of an appropriate group level
FoR.
Guidelines for Classifying by Fields of Research - continued
Where a defined field cannot be identified within a group for a research project or research program,
the 'not elsewhere classified' category at the field level is to be used.
ERA requires the use of the 4-digit group level. This method can still be applied where the field level
and the associated exclusions are used to assist in the assignment of an appropriate group level
FoR.
Fields of Research DIVISION CODES AND TITLES
01 Mathematical Sciences
02 Physical Sciences
03 Chemical Sciences
04 Earth Sciences
05 Environmental Sciences
06 Biological Sciences
07 Agricultural and Veterinary
Sciences
08 Information and Computing
Sciences
09 Engineering
10 Technology
11 Medical and Health Sciences
12 Built Environment and Design
13 Education
14 Economics
15 Commerce, Management,
Tourism and Services
16 Studies in Human Society
17 Psychology and Cognitive
Sciences
18 Law and Legal Studies
19 Studies in Creative Arts and
Writing
20 Language, Communication
and Culture
21 History and Archaeology
22 Philosophy and Religious
Studies
Research Branch
ERA Collection
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