In the article the author considered the questions of the origin, formation and development of such branches of knowledge as “study about of science.” Author gives the definition of science research. The author analyzes the importance and place of science research in the general system of knowledge. One of the functions of science research has been named features and the optimization of scientific knowledge, as part of the analysis is done of science, their optimal location in the system of science. In addition, there is the identification of gaps in scientific knowledge and the most important areas for further research.