foundational research

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundational research" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to research that provides a basis or groundwork for further study or application in a particular field. Example: "The team focused on foundational research to establish the principles that would guide their future experiments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

When professional mathematicians are concerned with the foundations of their subject, they are said to be engaged in foundational research.

SEP

Therefore many researchers have proposed to use process calculi, a cornerstone of current foundational research on specification and analysis of concurrent and distributed systems.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Therefore, many researchers have proposed to use process calculi, a cornerstone of current foundational research on specification and analysis of concurrent, reactive, and distributed systems.

Journal of Applied Logic

Without the foundational research, those developments would take even longer.

The New Yorker

The biochemical and pharmaceutical industries have largely developed from a foundational research base.

The New Yorker

"Foundational research in data management and data analytics promise breakthrough discoveries and innovations across all disciplines".

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Here in PI, it is actually encouraged that we should do foundational research as our main interest, which I find fascinating".

Science Magazine

Moreover, there is a quite distinct and often lively area of marginal 'foundational' research in which those engaged in 'normal' science participate along the way.

Princeton University

This work draws extensively from the foundational research by Ighravwe et al. (2016b).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

G3's mandate includes publishing foundational research the cornerstones of future insights and the building blocks of our discipline.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

The HIFiRE program has provided flight data to provide insight into the behavior of critical phenomena in-flight and helped address several key objectives identified in the National Hypersonic Foundational Research Plan.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In grant proposals or project outlines, highlight "foundational research" to indicate the fundamental nature and broad applicability of the work.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational research" when describing work focused on immediate practical applications. "Foundational research" is about establishing fundamental principles, not solving specific short-term problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational research" functions as a noun phrase, where "foundational" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "research". This phrase commonly identifies the type of research that establishes core principles and knowledge in a particular field, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundational research" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that identifies research establishing core principles in a field. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability, particularly in scientific, academic, and news media contexts. While often interchangeable with "basic research" or "fundamental research", it emphasizes the creation of a solid base for future investigations. When writing, remember that this term is more suitable for formal and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "basic research" can be used depending on the degree of technicality you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Basic research

Focuses on the fundamental principles and theories, acting as a synonym in many contexts.

Fundamental research

Emphasizes the core or essential nature of the research, similar to basic research.

Pioneering research

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking aspect of the research.

Groundbreaking research

Similar to pioneering research, stressing the novelty and potential impact.

Core research

Focuses on the central or most important aspects of the research topic.

Primary research

Highlights the initial or original nature of the investigation.

Initial research

Emphasizes that this is the first stage of research, setting the stage for future studies.

Underlying research

Focuses on the less visible research that supports further investigations.

Preparatory research

Highlights research that prepares the way for subsequent investigations.

Cardinal research

Stresses the importance and influence that research has.

FAQs

What is the difference between "basic research" and "foundational research"?

While often used interchangeably, "basic research" generally refers to investigations that expand our understanding of fundamental principles. "Foundational research" implies a strong emphasis on providing a base or groundwork for further studies or applications, often with a specific field in mind.

Can I use "groundbreaking research" instead of "foundational research"?

While both terms describe impactful work, "groundbreaking research" emphasizes the novelty and innovation of the work. "Foundational research" highlights its role in establishing a solid base for future advancements.

How to use "foundational research" in a sentence?

"The scientist's "foundational research" on genetics paved the way for new cancer treatments." Or, "The university is investing in "foundational research" to promote long-term innovation."

Is "foundational research" only used in scientific contexts?

While frequently used in science and academia, "foundational research" can also apply to other fields where fundamental principles are being established, such as economics or social sciences.