Current Trends and Research Gaps in General Science: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review aims to identify and characterize current overarching trends and significant research gaps within general science, thereby providing a high-level overview of the intellectual landscape to guide future research directions. Employing a rigorous systematic review methodology, this paper synthesizes findings from a comprehensive literature search. Key current trends identified include increasing interdisciplinarity, the transformative impact of data-driven science and artificial intelligence integration, a growing emphasis on open science practices, and a collective focus on addressing global challenges. Concurrently, pervasive research gaps were observed in methodological approaches for interdisciplinary synthesis, the examination of ethical implications associated with emerging technologies, the scarcity of longitudinal studies on complex systems, and limitations in translating basic scientific research into practical applications. These findings highlight both the dynamic progress and critical areas requiring further investigation, offering recommendations to foster robust, ethical, and societally impactful scientific endeavors. Overall, the review aligns most closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by supporting knowledge advancement, responsible innovation, ethical governance, and cross-sector scientific collaboration.