Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Official definition

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, such as agriculture, electronics, environmental, biology, botany, biotechnology, computers, chemistry, food, fisheries, forests, geology, health, mathematics, medicine, nanotechnology, oceanography, pharmacy, physics, veterinary, and other allied subjects.

Excluded or separately classified activities

Official Census cross-references identify activities that belong under another North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code.

• Creating and developing industrial designs and specifications that optimize the use, value, and appearance of automobiles, furniture, and other products--are classified in Industry 54142, Industrial Design Services;

  Industrial Design Services54142

• Laboratory animal production (e.g., guinea pigs, mice, rats)--are classified in Industry 11299, All Other Animal Production.

  All Other Animal Production11299

• Manufacturing products (e.g., apparel, electronic equipment, automotive equipment) using nanomaterials--are classified in Sector 31-33, Manufacturing, according to the process of the specific product made;

  Manufacturing31-33

• Manufacturing vaccines, toxoids, blood fractions, and culture media of plant or animal origin (except diagnostic use) and/or uncompounded medicinal chemicals and their derivatives (i.e., enzyme proteins and antibiotics for pharmaceutical use)--are classified in Industry 32541, Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing; and

  Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing32541

• Providing medical laboratory testing for humans--are classified in Industry 62151, Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories;

  Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories62151

• Providing physical, chemical, or other analytical testing services (except medical or veterinary), such as acoustics or vibration testing, calibration testing, electrical and electronic testing, geotechnical testing, mechanical testing, nondestructive testing, or thermal testing--are classified in Industry 54138, Testing Laboratories and Services;

  Testing Laboratories and Services54138

• Providing veterinary testing services--are classified in Industry 54194, Veterinary Services;

  Veterinary Services54194

• Raising funds for health related research--are classified in Industry 81321, Grantmaking and Giving Services;

  Grantmaking and Giving Services81321