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Applied research explained
If you're wondering what is applied research and why is it important, you've come to the right place.
Applied research is like the big sister of basic research.
While basic research expands our knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles, applied research takes those principles and uses them to solve real-world problems faced by individuals, communities, organisations, and industries.
Put simply, applied research is the process of finding practical solutions to everyday challenges through investigation - it acts as a bridge between theory and practice, providing evidence-based insights to drive innovative solutions.
Best of all, applied research is collaborative, incorporating diverse perspectives from a range of stakeholders, including researchers, industry, universities, vocational education and training organisations, community groups, unions, and employers - just to name a few.
Berwyn Clayton, an acclaimed Australian VET researcher, may have described applied research best when expressing:
"Applied research is the major means of scratching constant itches that irritate us at work."
Your opportunity
Applied Research Grants are available through the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries and the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support from 2025-2028.
The Centres, led by TAFE Queensland, are joint initiatives between the Australian and Queensland Governments.
The Centres will fund collaborative applied research projects to support the development of innovative solutions that address industry-identified challenges facing the clean energy battery and health care and support sectors.
A range of initiatives will be funded by the Grants including, but not limited to, the development of higher-level pathways, skills-based training and education opportunities, and innovative delivery methods and pedagogy to enrich student learning experiences and support engagement and retention.
This dedication to applied research ensures that TAFE Queensland's training remains at the cutting edge, equipping people with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving clean energy battery and health care and support industries.
Supporting applied research strengthens TAFE Queensland's commitment to developing quality education and the industry-relevant training needed now and into the future.
Quality training opportunities can transform communities and change lives, and we know the TAFE Centres of Excellence Applied Research Grants will drive impact on real-world problems, significantly benefitting the students, communities and industries we serve.