The correct answer is: A. Synthesize new ideals.
Fundamental research is the search for new knowledge and understanding. It is not concerned with the application of knowledge, but with the discovery of new principles and theories. Fundamental research is often conducted in universities and research institutes, and it is funded by governments and private foundations.
The ability to synthesize new ideals is essential for fundamental research. This means being able to combine existing knowledge in new and creative ways to form new ideas and theories. It also means being able to think outside the box and come up with new ways of looking at the world.
The other options are not as relevant to fundamental research. Option B, expound new principles, is more relevant to applied research, which is concerned with the application of knowledge to solve practical problems. Option C, evaluate the existing material concerning research, is more relevant to review research, which is a type of research that is conducted to assess the quality of existing research. Option D, study the existing literature regarding various topics, is more relevant to literature review, which is a type of research that is conducted to identify and summarize the existing literature on a particular topic.
In conclusion, the correct answer is: A. Synthesize new ideals.