This Chapter has been extracted from the ONS Explanatory Notes and provides a more detailed explanation of possible activities that could fall within the SIC Codes related to the Chapter.
This division includes the activities of three types of research and development: 1) basic research: experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without particular application or use in view, 2) applied research: original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective and 3) experimental development: systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, directed to producing new materials, products and devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, and to improving substantially those already produced or installed.
Research and experimental development activities in this division are subdivided into two categories: natural sciences and engineering; social sciences and the humanities.
This division excludes:
- market research, see 73.20
72.1 Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
This group comprises basic research, applied research, experimental development in natural sciences and engineering.
72.11 Research and experimental development on biotechnology
This class includes research and experimental development on biotechnology:
- DNA/RNA: genomics, pharmacogenomics, gene probes, genetic engineering, DNA/RNA sequencing/synthesis/amplification, gene expression profiling, and use of antisense technology
- proteins and other molecules: sequencing/synthesis/engineering of proteins and peptides (including large molecule hormones); improved delivery methods for large molecule drugs; proteomics, protein isolation and purification, signalling, identification of cell receptors - cell and tissue culture and engineering: cell/tissue culture, tissue engineering (including tissue scaffolds and biomedical engineering), cellular fusion, vaccine/immune stimulants, embryo manipulation
- process biotechnology techniques: fermentation using bioreactors, bioprocessing, bioleaching, biopulping, biobleaching, biodesulphurisation, bioremediation, biofiltration and phytoremediation
- gene and RNA vectors: gene therapy, viral vectors
- bioinformatics: construction of databases on genomes, protein sequences; modelling complex biological processes, including systems biology
- nanobiotechnology: applies the tools and processes of nano/microfabrication to build devices for studying biosystems and applications in drug delivery, diagnostics etc.
72.19 Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
This class includes:
- research and experimental development on natural science and engineering other than biotechnological research and experimental development:
· research and development on natural sciences
· research and development on engineering and technology
· research and development on medical sciences
· research and development on agricultural sciences
• interdisciplinary research and development, predominantly on natural sciences and engineering
72.2 Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities
72.20 Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities
This class includes:
- research and development on social sciences
- research and development on humanities
- interdisciplinary research and development, predominantly on social sciences and humanities
This class excludes:
- market research, see 73.20
For all queries related to this Chapter or any other aspect of SIC Codes, please contact the Office of National Statistics on 01329 444970 or email classifications.helpdesk@ons.gov.uk.