It is often curiosity-driven and it allows scientists to create new knowledge. Basic research is extremely important to society, because it fosters the development of new theories - conceptual frameworks that help scientists understand and explain the living world, and it provides the basis for applied research. Applied research is characterized by the application of concepts and is driven by the need to solve problems that are often of immediate concern to society, medicine or industry. The distinction between basic and applied research is often blurred, however, because a scientist might be engaged in both enterprises as one flows logically from the other. For example, scientists can apply knowledge of the basic biology and ecology of an insect pest to develop an integrated pest management strategy that will minimize pesticide use and environmental damage.
Teaching offers biologists personal as well as intellectual rewards.
As faculty, biologists may teach in a formal classroom setting or serve as mentors in a research laboratory. The teaching setting may even extend beyond the boundaries of the classroom into the community or the environment. Biologists may also communicate science to the public. Biologists in academe, industry and government are often in positions that require many other skills in addition to their biological knowledge. Management and administrative positions require excellent communication skills and business knowledge, as well as information management and computer skills.