Frontier research in physics today prominently features cosmology, focusing on dark matter, dark energy, and the Big Bang, alongside particle physics, particularly investigations at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and theoretical frameworks like string theory. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between discovery research, which seeks to answer fundamental questions about the universe, and applied research, which aims to develop practical technologies. While some argue that all research can be considered frontier due to its role in expanding knowledge, the conversation leans towards highlighting the significance of discovery research in pushing the boundaries of understanding in various fields of physics.
