---
title: What categories are available and why?
description: "--- - [Home](https://info.figshare.com) - - [User Guides](https://info.figshare.com/user-guides/) - - What categories are available and why? Figshare utilizes the Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) Fields of Research (FOR) codes, to populate its metadata field, Categories. View the [full Figshare…"
url: "https://info.figshare.com/user-guide/what-categories-are-available-and-why/"
updated: "2026-07-30"
category: FAQs
---

# What categories are available and why?

---

- [Home](https://info.figshare.com)
-
- [User Guides](https://info.figshare.com/user-guides/)
-
- What categories are available and why?

Figshare utilizes the Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) Fields of Research (FOR) codes, to populate its metadata field, Categories. View the [full Figshare category list](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Fields_of_Research_FoR_Classification/10305443).

In the current version of Figshare, the Categories field is mandatory. With the Item Type Based Metadata release, Categories will become an optional metadata field.

The FOR is a hierarchical classification that includes major fields of research investigated by national research institutions and organisations, and emerging areas of study. For more information please see [Field of Research (FoR) Codes.](http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/1297.0~2008~Main+Features~Chapter+3,Fields+of+Research?OpenDocument#112714291310995051)