Basic research is what we usually picture as research that is conducted in a laboratory, involving test subjects. This type of research is carried out by biologists and chemists. For example, they may test the effects of a drug on a type of tissue.

In Public Health, most of the research is applied research. Public health professionals cannot conduct laboratory experiments on the populations they serve. It is unethical to conduct experiments on humans without their consent.

Epidemiologists are the scientists who conduct most of research in Public Health. Topics of study include describing new diseases, how diseases are spread, methods to preventing the spread of disease, etc.

There are health services researchers who conduct research on how health care is delivered to people. Topics of study include how health services are paid for, who does and does not get care, where people get care, what types of treatment are most effective, etc. In both instances, results of the research are used to develop health policy that seeks to protect and ensure the Public’s Health.