Understanding Research and Development (R&D)

Systematic creative effort put forth toward the end of expanding the store of human knowledge and the development of new applications based on that knowledge is what we call “research and development” (R&D). R&D can mean either basic research, applied research, or experimental research. The entire process of conducting research revolves around the five steps of developing hypotheses, analyzing data, interpreting that data, extrapolating, implementing conclusions, and developing new research questions in accordance with appropriate methodologies established by particular professional fields and academic disciplines. The effectiveness of worldwide health initiatives depends on well-conducted research. Effective global health programs may be developed on the basis of solid research that informs program design and policymaking on a global scale. The strength of research comes from its empirical nature; rather than speculating on what may or may not work, researchers actually go out and conduct studies to provide policymakers with concrete evidence. In addition to employing procedures that can be duplicated, producing results that can be evaluated by peers, and creating information that can be applied to real-world situations, successful research develops knowledge that can be used in the present. Scientists collaborate to find innovative solutions to global issues.