Field of Research (FOR)

About FOR codes

This classification allows both R&D activity and other activity within the higher education sector to be categorised. The categories in the classification include recognised academic disciplines and related major sub-fields taught at universities or tertiary institutions, major fields of research investigated by national research institutions and organisations, and emerging areas of study. While this classification includes individual specialised fields of national interest, it generally reflects the overall structure of disciplinary fields.

R&D activity is classified according to the field of research undertaken. In this respect, it is the nature of the R&D itself which is being examined, rather than the activity of the performing unit or the purpose of the R&D. Higher education courses, units of study and teaching activity are classified according to field. Guidelines for classifying by FOR. The following general procedures are aimed to ensure consistent and successful classification.

• A research project or course is to be allocated to a FOR subject in a hierarchical manner. This is achieved by first determining the division in which the research is being performed, then the most relevant discipline within that division and then the most relevant subject within that discipline.
• It is vital to firstly identify the higher level classifications as some subjects, although within different disciplines, have identical titles.
• Press Release: Revised Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification

The FOR Divisions

For the full listing of FOR Divisions please visit the website: Australian Standard Research Classification