most important research topics, gaining momentum as of June 30, 2025, across global academia, industry, and policy

1. Ethical AI & Explainable AI (XAI) ([Academia Scholars][1])

2. AI bias, fairness, and accountability ([Academia Scholars][1])

3. Quantum computing algorithms & applications ([Academia Scholars][1])

4. Post-quantum cryptography ([Kenfra Research][2])

5. Advanced climate change mitigation & adaptation ([Academia Scholars][1])

6. Carbon capture, utilization & storage (CCUS) ([Academia Scholars][1])

7. Climate-resilient agriculture & infrastructure ([Academia Scholars][1])

8. Geoengineering risks, governance & ethics ([Academia Scholars][1])

9. Personalized medicine & gene therapies ([Academia Scholars][1])

10. CRISPR-based ethical frameworks ([Pluto Insights][3])

11. AI-driven diagnostics in healthcare 

12. Digital mental health tools (apps, bots) ([IEEE Standards Association][4])

13. Virtual therapists & VR mental health ([Wikipedia][5])

14. Pandemic preparedness and pathogen surveillance ([The Guardian][6])

15. AI-powered drug discovery & precision medicine ([Pluto Insights][3])

16. Biotech advances & CRISPR agricultural use 

17. Biotech for environmental remediation 

18. Biotech investment & market expansion ([Investopedia][7])

19. Living Intelligence (AI + biotech + sensors) ([Wikipedia][8])

20. Human-centered AI & HCI ([Wikipedia][9])

21. Algorithmic transparency & human-in-loop systems 

22. Disinformation detection & misinformation ([LinkedIn][10])

23. Deepfake detection using AI ([Kenfra Research][2])

24. Digital privacy & data protection laws (GDPR, HIPAA) ([Kenfra Research][2])

25. Cybersecurity & Zero Trust architecture ([Kenfra Research][2])

26. Quantum cryptography implementation ([Kenfra Research][2])

27. Next-gen cybersecurity & quantum-resistant security ([Academia Scholars][1])

28. AI tools for threat detection & anomaly 

29. IoT security & edge computing protection 

30. Remote & hybrid work impacts & mental health ([Citez AI][11])

31. Digital addiction, screen time & mental health ([Citez AI][11])

32. Education Tech: AI tutors, AR/VR learning ([Kenfra Research][2])

33. Gamification in education design ([Kenfra Research][2])

34. Digital divide & learning outcomes 

35. Telemedicine long-term effectiveness ([LinkedIn][10])

36. 5G/6G networks & beyond ([arXiv][12])

37. 6G architecture, AI, terahertz comms ([arXiv][13])

38. Blockchain identity & supply-chain ([Wikipedia][8])

39. CBDCs & financial inclusion ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

40. FinTech for ESG reporting/investing ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

41. Behavioral economics & nudge for sustainability 

42. Gig economy, remote labor policies ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

43. Universal basic income trials ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

44. Remote nomad tax/economics 

45. Energy-efficient computing & green data centers 

46. Sustainability Material Science and chemistry ([Pluto Insights][3])

47. CO₂-to-fuel catalysts & biodegradable plastics 

48. Next-gen batteries & smart materials ([Pluto Insights][3])

49. Fusion and advanced photovoltaics ([Pluto Insights][3])

50. Space colonization & ISRU ([Academia Scholars][1])

51. Closed-loop life support & regolith mining ([Academia Scholars][1])

52. Space radiation protection & habitat systems 

53. Exoplanet life detection & astrobiology ([LinkedIn][10])

54. Ethical governance of space exploration 

55. Ocean acidification & marine conservation 

56. Microplastics impact & cleanup tech ([Citez AI][11])

57. Food & water security research 

58. Vertical farming and precision agriculture 

59. Sustainable building & green architecture ([Citez AI][11])

60. Climate finance and green investment ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

61. Climate justice & impact on marginalized groups ([SlideShare][15])

62. Urban resilience & heat island effects ([Citez AI][11])

63. Smart cities & environmental monitoring 

64. Human-centric geospatial data science ([arXiv][16])

65. Behavioral health & eco-anxiety ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

66. PTSD, trauma treatment innovations ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

67. Neuroscience, BCIs & cognitive enhancement ([Academia Scholars][1])

68. Neuroethics around enhancement ([Wikipedia][17])

69. Nano-medicine & nanoparticles ([Citez AI][11])

70. Wearable nanobots & cellular therapies ([Vogue Business][18])

71. DNA-coded personalized skincare ([Vogue Business][18])

72. mRNA therapies beyond vaccines ([Vogue Business][18])

73. Nanotechnology in imaging & sensors 

74. Affective robotics for wellbeing ([arXiv][19])

75. Emotionally intelligent HRI ([arXiv][19])

76. Human-AI interaction & trust 

77. AI-enhanced STEM education tools 

78. AR/VR impact on cognition & learning ([Wikipedia][20])

79. Mixed reality for medical training 

80. Telepresence & remote collaboration tech ([Elite Academic Brokers][14])

81. Blockchain in supply chain transparency 

82. Digital identity & decentralized systems 

83. Privacy in wearable tech & IoT 

84. Ethics of digital surveillance tools 

85. Social fragmentation & loneliness solutions ([Research World][21])

86. Birthrate decline & demographic shifts ([Research World][21])

87. Trust collapse & institutional integrity ([Research World][21])

88. AI-powered healthcare systems ([Research World][21])

89. Wearable tech proliferation & guidelines ([Research World][21])

90. GLP‑1 health & metabolic research ([Research World][21])

91. Regenerative medicine & stem cells 

92. Exosome & peptide-driven therapies ([Vogue Business][22])

93. Body modification tech ethics 

94. Mental health algorithms & EHR integration 

95. Explainable mental health AI ([Wikipedia][5])

96. VR for therapeutic interventions 

97. BCI ethics and cognitive privacy ([Wikipedia][17])

98. Neuroimaging & early brain disorder detection 

99. Data governance in health & geospace ([arXiv][16])

100. Social justice in tech policy ([LinkedIn][10])