Research is defined as “creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge – including knowledge of humankind, culture and society – and to devise new applications of available knowledge.” The activity must meet five criteria: Novel, Creative, Uncertain, Systematic and Transferable and/or reproducible.

Research has performance-related conditions and qualifies according to the Frascati Manual (OECD, 2015) definitions for basic research, applied research or experimental development.

• Basic research: Experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundation of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view.
• Applied research: Original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective.
• Experimental development: Systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience that is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.

Notable exclusions

Both generally and in social sciences, economics and humanities there are some notable exclusions:

• Surveys or data collection that are routine and do not form a part of a wider research project.
• Policy-related studies at national, regional and local levels, including those of businesses. This includes analysis and assessment of: existing programmes, policies and operations of organisations and public bodies; work of analysis and monitoring external phenomena; and the work of legislative commissions. This includes all work providing close support and advice to policy decisions.
• Programmatic evaluations including intelligence band evidence-building efforts associated with policies and programmatic advice that do not have novel research questions. Scientific advisory support and policy decision-making evidence are not usually research but might be where developing improved methodologies is involved.
• Fundraising, managing and distributing grants to other organisations.
• The management, administration, and support of research activities that are usually included in overhead.
• Education and training other than PhD research

Research is typically funded via competitive peer-reviewed schemes where the activity is driven by the researcher’s own ideas or curiosity, and where they define the questions and methods within the funder’s thematic priorities. Results are openly publishable for academic purposes.

If you are not sure if your application or opportunity is Research please check the table below and contact your unit’s Research Development Manager for support.

Your unit’s Research Development Manager can also advise on relevant research funding opportunities.

Consultancy is the application of existing know-how (such as analysis, measurements or testing, evidence or systematic reviews, corporate analysis, evaluation and impact studies, policy reviews and socio-economic analysis) to help Clients address specific challenges, make informed decisions and improve processes without generating new knowledge.

This can include Consulting Services and Contract Research:

• Consulting services to external organisations (government, business, NGOs), such as providing economic analysis, policy advice, or bespoke research services.
• Contract Research is research commissioned by an external organisation (e.g. government, business, NGO) where the research questions, scope, and deliverables are largely defined by the funder. This usually involves a formal contract with specific outputs and timelines. The funder often owns the results or has exclusive rights to use them.

Please contact LSE Consulting to discuss consulting opportunities and ideas and a range of other services including training delivery and speaking opportunities.

Innovation is a pathway to impact involving the translation of research into new products, services, or processes whether for commercial gain or wider social benefit.

Innovation funding can vary but is often awarded to help researchers develop commercial pathways for their research outcomes, such as licensing technologies, spinning out startups, or partnering with commercial entities for product development.

Please contact your Research Innovation Manager to discuss funding opportunities and ideas.

Research impact is how academics have an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life, beyond academia based on their research.

Impact funding is often awarded to help researchers undertake knowledge exchange, public and policy engagement or partnerships for example to share research findings with wider public or specific stakeholder groups, or to measure and report the impact of research on society.

Please contact your Research Impact Manager to discuss funding opportunities and ideas.