[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 32, Volume 2] [Revised as of July 1, 2008] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 32CFR272.3] [Page 628] TITLE 32--NATIONAL DEFENSE CHAPTER I--OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) PART 272_ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT OF BASIC RESEARCH BY THE DEPARTMENT OF Sec. 272.3 Definition of basic research. Basic research is systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind. It includes all scientific study and experimentation directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in those fields of the physical, engineering, environmental, and life sciences related to long-term national security needs. It is farsighted high payoff research that provides the basis for technological progress.