This is the 1183rd most frequent Korean word.
연구를
"Research" or "study" (accusative form).
In this sentence, '연구를' is the object of the verb '시작했다' (started), referring to a specific research endeavor.
그는 새로운 기술에 대한 연구를 시작했다.
He started research on new technology.
Here, '연구를' is the object of the verb '했습니다' (have done), indicating the action focused on considerable research.
저는 이 주제에 대해 많은 연구를 했습니다.
I have done much research on this topic.
In the last example, '연구를' serves as the object of '진행하고 있다' (is conducting), demonstrating ongoing activity in research.