Researchers may work on basic scientific research, studying molecules and cells in the laboratory to understand the very essence of living organisms.

Applied clinical research may convert bench-top discoveries to direct patient care or may develop and trial new patient care procedures and treatment protocols. Clinical trials of new diagnostic tools and treatments must comply with government regulation and medical review and approval processes.

Development of new medicine is another process with a long lead time, taking on average 15 years.

Public health research is the development, implementation and evaluation of new public health programs or population based interventions. This may apply discoveries from basic scientific research, new clinical research evidence or be based on epidemiological research outcomes.