Clarivate and Chinese Academy of Sciences Unveil Annual Report on Research Fronts: Insights for Future Research Trends

Major Insights from the 2024 Research Fronts Report



On November 27, 2024, Clarivate Plc, a leader in transformative intelligence, partnered with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) to launch the 2024 Research Fronts report in Beijing. This collaborative effort, now in its eleventh year, identifies 125 significant research areas that are both active and emerging across various scientific disciplines.

The report categorizes these into 110 'hot' fronts that are currently active in research and 15 'emerging' fronts representing rapid advancements in scientific endeavors. This distinction is critical as it allows researchers, policymakers, and organizations to focus their efforts on areas that are ripe for innovation, especially in times of limited resources.

Bar Veinstein, President of Academia and Government at Clarivate, emphasized the importance of this report. He noted, "The annual Research Fronts report guides us to look to the future of research by identifying the hottest and emerging specialty areas." Such insights are essential for leading research institutions, including CAS, to align their resources and strategic interests with the latest scientific trends.

The diversity of the 2024 Research Fronts is particularly notable. One compelling area of study pertains to clinical medicine, focusing on the potential of monoclonal antibodies in treating early Alzheimer's disease. This research is pivotal as it contributes to the global mission to eradicate the disease, showcasing how science can directly address pressing societal challenges.

Another emerging area within economics and social sciences highlights the transformative role of Generative AI in education, signifying its growing impact on learning and instructional methodologies. These findings are not just statistics; they represent tangible movements within scientific inquiry that have the potential to shape our future.

Wu Zhaohui, Vice President of CAS, reiterated the commitment of CAS to strategic research aimed at future advancements. He elaborated on the report's significance, stating, "This report highlights the frontiers of global science and technology, analyzes significant scientific breakthroughs that could impact the future of the world, and aligns with China's national strategy for scientific and technological innovation."

The methodology behind the Research Fronts is equally interesting. Clarivate’s expert analysts use co-citation analysis from the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) database to identify highly cited papers that cluster around specific themes. By monitoring patterns over a five-year span, they classify areas of synergy and relevance, effectively pinpointing where the most dynamic scientific activities are occurring.

In addition to the Research Fronts 2024 report, Clarivate and CAS have also provided a comparative analysis of the active fields and leading countries engaged in these research fronts. The analysis reveals that the United States maintains a leading position in 11 research areas, with Mainland China in second and the United Kingdom, Germany, and France following.

This annual report represents more than just data; it is a guiding light for the future of research dynamics globally. With the information provided, stakeholders in various sectors—from governments to research organizations—can make informed decisions that drive scientific inquiry and innovation.

To explore this year’s findings and delve deeper into the highlighted research fronts, interested parties can find additional information on the Clarivate website.

About Clarivate


Clarivate is renowned for its role in offering enriched data and insights across various fields, including Academia, Government, Intellectual Property, and Life Sciences. Hence, the Research Fronts report is integral not only for academia but for anyone passionate about the trajectory of global research advancements.

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