Practical Research Basics 1: Research and Development Defined
"I would like to forge a career in research and development."
These were the words I uttered in response to questions when I was about to graduate from my undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños. Many aspiring professionals give similar answers, speaking on a dream that sounds edgy but often shrouded in ambiguity. For years, I found myself captivated by the allure of R&D - it has an elegant ring to it. But it wasn't until after a 17-year journey of learning and professional experience of conducting R&D in the academia-government-industry trisectors that I truly grasped the essence of this career area.
Today, I am happy to share with you my personal experiences in the field of Research and Development, with the prime goal of demystifying it, discussing essential skills to make an impact in the field, and most importantly, inspire the younger generation to embark on a journey into this rewarding career path.
In this first installment, we embark on a journey to demystify the cornerstone of R&D: research itself. So, what is research?
Research, as defined by Cornell University Law School, is "a systematic study conducted to improve our understanding or scientific knowledge of the subject studied." This definition reveals a vital aspect of research – it is a process. It's a journey involving steps taken by individuals or groups to enhance their knowledge and understanding of a chosen subject. In essence, research is the Scientific Method in action.
For students, those laboratory experiments and data analyses you perform in class are your initial steps into the world of research. It's about asking questions, seeking answers, and pushing the boundaries of your knowledge.
Now that we've defined research, let's unpack its counterpart – development. Development, according to Cornell University definition is "the systematic use of knowledge and understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes." In simpler terms, development is where we leverage our research-derived knowledge to design and create materials, products, and processes that ultimately benefit society.
Putting everything together: Research and Development – A Harmonious Workflow.
When we combine research and development, what we get is a long standing workflow that benefited society since time immemorial. R&D encompasses all research activities, both basic and applied, alongside development activities. This process involves conducting research to gain knowledge and then applying that knowledge to design, produce, and improve goods and a wide range of technologies, addressing society’s needs and pressing challenges. It's a continuum where research fuels development, and learnings we obtain from the development work, in turn, advances our understanding through research.
Now, the most important question: Why do we engage in R&D? Why is it a critical component of numerous industries, fields and economies?
The answer is simple yet profound. R&D is the driving force behind innovation, progress, economic development and the betterment of society. It pushes the boundaries of human knowledge, leads to groundbreaking discoveries, and spawns new technologies that create jobs, medicines for illnesses that threaten human survival, and products that enhance our lives. Without R&D, we would stagnate, unable to solve complex problems or improve the quality of our existence.
In conclusion
In this inaugural installment of Practical Research: Back to Basics, we have unraveled the foundations of research, explored the essence of development, and tackled the significance of R&D in our lives. So, whether you're a student venturing into your first research project or a seasoned professional striving to make a difference, remember that R&D is a world of endless possibilities. It's where dreams of innovation and advancement come to life.
We are just getting started. In the upcoming installments, we will continue to dig more deeply into the various aspects of R&D careers, challenges, and opportunities. This series will bring clarity to various aspects of R&D careers and to shed light on the entire spectrum of experiences within this field - the good, the not so good, the wins and losses, failures and learnings. Stay tuned!
