Pasteur's quadrant

Pasteur's quadrant is a classification of scientific research that seeks fundamental understanding of a problem while also having immediate use for society, a category that bridges basic and applied research. The term was introduced by Donald E. Stokes in his book Pasteur's Quadrant, and Louis Pasteur's research is thought to exemplify this approach. The classification sits alongside pure basic research, exemplified by Niels Bohr, and pure applied research, exemplified by Thomas Edison. The article notes that few individuals fall within the Pasteur cell, so modern science often uses a systems approach in which numerous researchers work together.