Topic: Types of research

A branch of pharmacology that examines both drugs and genes to see how these interact and why certain people react positively or negatively to different treatments. Also called pharmacogenomics.

Clinical research is the study of medical health and illness in people, conducted through clinical studies. There are two main types of clinical studies: observational studies and clinical trials.

This scientific, interdisciplinary field addresses questions in biology, behaviour, and social systems by analysing very large sets of data. Computational biologists use data-analytical and -theoretical approaches, mathematical modelling (like algorithms), and computer simulations to understand and model the structures and processes of life.

The study of how and why diseases occur in different populations.

The study of the causes of a disease. For example, cancer has many causes which result from a combination of genetic and environmental/lifestyle factors, such as smoking.

Basic research aims to improve our knowledge and understanding, rather than solve a specific practical problem. For example, scientists may study which genes are linked to a disease or how cancer cells grow. This type of research can sometimes provide clues that can lead to the development of new treatments in the future.