Also called basic or pure research, fundamental research is investigative research aimed at explaining or describing natural and social phenomena. It is the source of new scientific evidence, principles and theories, which form the basis for all applied science and practical interventions.
Driving all life-changing innovation is fundamental research. Pushing the boundaries of knowledge, this research explores the unknown, challenges assumptions and seeks to create a deeper understanding of phenomena around us.
Fundamental research gives researchers across disciplines the theory, evidence and methodology to develop solutions to pressing practical problems and improve lives. From exploring the effects of hypertension on blood vessel function to examining the cellular mechanisms of muscle diseases, researchers in Applied Health Sciences are at the forefront of changing how we understand the world today and setting the stage for the discoveries of tomorrow.
Brain health before birth
The relationship between a mother’s nutrition during pregnancy and the health of her child is well established. But what are the effects of her social experiences?
Professor John Mielke is exploring how the experiences of mothers can impact brain development in their unborn children, putting them on a path towards health or disease later in life. By uncovering how stress and adversity imprint on the developing brain, his work illustrates how understanding neuroplasticity can help to establish the frameworks needed to protect the health of future generations.
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SYSTEMS
Approaches to qualitative research
Not all fundamental research uses experiments, statistics and numbers.
Inspired to enhance traditional approaches to research that instead use interviews, participant observations and focus groups, Professor Lisbeth A. Berbary is exploring more innovative ways to analyze and represent language-based data through creative practices. Her work gives both new and established qualitative researchers different perspectives on capturing the nuances and complexity of human experiences, ultimately making research more accessible for wider audiences.
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE STUDIES
Understanding cell death
Throughout our life damaged structures build up in our cells. Healthy cells remove and recycle this material through a process called autophagy. However, if this process becomes dysregulated, diseases can develop or our cells can waste away and die.
Professor Joe Quadrilatero is exploring the mechanisms behind cell death and ways to keep cells healthy longer. By better understanding what causes cells to live or die, his research is laying the foundation for new strategies that could prevent and treat disease as well as slow the aging process.
DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY
