99+ Interesting Research Paper Topics

Coming up with good research paper topics can sometimes be a daunting task, as it can take you down various paths or even leave you with a blank page. The most challenging part of writing a paper is often coming up with the initial idea. To help you get started, here are numerous research paper ideas that can inspire you, and enable you to draft a paper with a fresh perspective. The ideas are categorized into fields of study or areas of interest, so you can explore a new angle in your research paper topic.

Research Ideas for the Sciences

So many research papers fall within the sciences and breaking them down or connecting the sciences encompasses entire fields of study. Here are the 3 main areas of science and a few tip-of-the-iceberg topics in each area.

Social Sciences

Social sciences include psychology, sociology, economics, education, history, law, linguistics, political science, philosophy and more. Some interesting research ideas in these fields are:

1. The Psychology of Decision Making: Behavioral Economics Insights
2. The Intersection of Art and Science: Exploring Creativity
3. The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories: A Cognitive Perspective
4. Psychological Effects of Space Travel on Astronauts
5. The Psychology of Addiction: Understanding Substance Abuse
6. The Effects of Music on the Brain and Emotions
7. The Sociology of Deviance: Understanding Social Norms

Earth Sciences

Earth sciences or physical sciences include chemistry, biology, physics, geology, medicine, astronomy, botany, zoology, ecology, and more. There are always more interesting topics to research in these areas.

8. Exploring the Origins of the Universe: Big Bang Theory vs. Multiverse Theory
9. Enhancing Creativity through Neuroscience Research
10. The Physics of Black Holes: Mysteries and Discoveries
11. The Future of Space Exploration: Mars Colonization and Beyond
12. Quantum Mechanics: The Strange World of Subatomic Particles
13. Green Chemistry: Sustainable Solutions for Environmental Problems

Formal Sciences

Formal sciences are a branch of science concerned with structures described by formal systems. They include math, logic, engineering, data and information sciences, statistics, and decision theory. Formal sciences are often found in fields of study such as business, engineering, computer science, and data analytics.

14. Ethical Implications of Big Data Analytics
15. Green Buildings: Sustainable Architecture and Design
16. Social Media Analytics and Its Impact on Marketing Strategies
17. Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
18. Data Visualization Techniques and Their Impact on Decision-Making

Problem-Solving Research Paper Topics

A great way to choose a good research topic is to consider a problem that you’d like to see solved.

Climate and Climate Change

19. The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity
    1. Specifically: Marine Biodiversity
20. Food Security in a Changing Climate: Sustainable Solutions
21. The Economics of Climate Change: Mitigation vs. Adaptation
22. Environmental Pollution and Public Health: Addressing the Global Crisis
23. Sustainable Water Management in Arid Regions
24. The Physics of Climate Change: Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
25. The Future of Renewable Energy: Innovations and Challenges
26. Disaster Preparedness and Response: Lessons from Recent Events

Artificial Intelligence and Technological Security

27. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
28. Cybersecurity in the Age of the Internet of Things (IoT)
29. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education
30. The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

Social Justice

31. Social Justice in Healthcare: Addressing Health Inequities
32. Gender Pay Gap: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
33. Gender Equality in STEM Fields: Challenges and Solutions
34. The Impact of Social Determinants on Health Disparities
    1. Alternative: Health Disparities among Minority Populations: Causes and Solutions
35. The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination

Good Research Topics for Today’s World

The world is changing at a faster and faster pace. Keep tabs on what’s new with a topic that addresses what is happening now, and how we should see it move into the future.

Emerging Technology

36. Quantum Computing: Revolutionizing Information Technology
37. E-Waste Management: Challenges and Solutions
38. Cultural Impact of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Technologies
39. Nanotechnology: Applications and Future Prospects

Media and Communications

40. Sustainable Fashion: Reducing Environmental Impact
41. Globalization and Cultural Identity: Challenges in a Connected World
42. Social Media Influencers and Consumer Behavior

Law and Ethics

43. The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research
44. The Intersection of Technology and Privacy Rights
45. The Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Balancing Risks and Benefits

Business

46. The Future of Work: Remote Work and its Implications
47. Robotics in Industry: Automation and Job Displacement
48. The Psychology of Decision Making: Insights from Behavioral Economics
49. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology: Opportunities and Challenges
50. The Impact of Tourism on Local Communities and Environments
51. The Future of Work: Automation and Job Market Trends

Researching History (and It’s Revival)

History repeats itself. At least, we may be doomed to repeat errors of the past if we don’t learn from them. Share your insights with a well-researched paper connecting history to today.

Culture and Politics

52. Cultural Influences on Human Behavior: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
53. The Politics of Climate Change: International Cooperation and Conflict

Language and Literature

54. Evolution of Language: From Primates to Modern Humans
55. Literary Translation and Cultural Exchange
56. Gender Representation in Literature

Developing Countries to Empires

57. Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management
58. Empire-Building and Cultural Exchange
59. The Role of Foreign Aid in Development
60. The Impact of Colonialism on Economic Development

Religion

61. Secularism and Religion in Modern Society
62. Religion and Ethics
63. Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Pluralism
64. The Creation and Evolution of Religion

Interesting Human Nature Research Ideas

From birth to death, we’re interesting and evolving creatures. What does the latest research tell us about ourselves?

Genetics and Aging

65. The Role of Genetics in Athletic Performance
66. The Biology of Aging: Mechanisms and Interventions
67. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Research and Treatment Strategies
68. Precision Medicine: Tailoring Treatment to Individual Genetic Profiles
69. The Role of Genetics in Personality Traits
70. Aging Population: Healthcare Challenges and Innovations

Needs and Desires

71. The Impact of Sleep on Cognitive Functioning
72. Psychological Effects of Social Media Use among Adolescents
73. The Physiology of Stress: Effects on Health and Well-being
74. Aging and Cognition: Understanding Cognitive Decline
75. The Psychology of Happiness: Factors Influencing Well-being
76. Neuroplasticity and its Implications for Learning and Memory

Human Connection

77. Cultural Diversity in Education: Promoting Inclusivity
78. Smart Cities: Integrating Technology for Sustainable Development
79. Cyberbullying: Impact on Mental Health among Adolescents
80. Urbanization and Mental Health: Exploring the Connection
81. Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Urban Areas
82. The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships

Mental Health

83. Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Schools: Strategies and Challenges
84. The Neuroscience of Addiction: Understanding Brain Mechanisms
85. Long-Term Mental Health Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons for the Future
    1. Alternative: Long-Term Physical Health Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
86. Mental Health First Aid: Training and Implementation Strategies
87. The Role of Exercise in Mental Health Treatment
88. Alternative Therapies for Mental Health Disorders
89. Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Barriers to Treatment
90. Enhancing Cognitive Function through Brain-Computer Interfaces

Physical Health and Medicine

91. Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Global Health Threat
92. The Role of Microbes in Human Health and Disease
93. Artificial Organs: Advancements in Biomedical Engineering
94. Advancements in Cancer Immunotherapy
95. Emerging Infectious Diseases: Global Health Risks and Preparedness
96. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Digestive Health

Research Topics About Our World

We only have one Earth (so far), so research ways for us to make the most of our planet and work with it, instead of against it.

Environmental Topics

97. Sustainable Urban Development: Strategies for Future Cities
98. Renewable Energy Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities
99. Environmental Justice: Equity in Environmental Decision-Making
100. Marine Conservation: Protecting Our Oceans and Seas
101. Wildlife Conservation in Developing Countries
102. Urban Heat Islands: Causes, Effects, and Mitigation Strategies
103. Renewable Energy Policy: Lessons from Around the World

Animal Life

104. Genetic Engineering and Its Ethical Implications
105. The Role of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems
106. Wildlife Trafficking: Threats to Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts

Food and Agriculture

107. Climate Change and Food Security: Challenges for Agricultural Systems
108. Urban Farming: Sustainable Food Production in Cities
109. Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Feeding the Growing Population

How to Choose a Good Research Topic

The best way to choose a research topic is to make sure it’s something you’re interested in. Even if the course doesn’t inspire your passions, find a topic you want to learn more about or include a spin on the topic that pulls you in. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself when determining a research paper topic:

• What do I enjoy reading or learning about?
• What questions do I have when I sit in class?
• What problem do I want to see solved in my lifetime?
• What interesting rabbit hole have I gone down recently?
• What ‘Why’ question do I want to see answered?
• What topics have I studied that have left me curious or intrigued?
• What gaps or unanswered questions exist in my area of interest?
• What current issues relate to my field of study?
• What topic will have real-world implications?
• What audience do I want to benefit from my research?

Don’t agonize over finding good research topics. Ask yourself a few pointed questions, let your mind wander a bit, and give yourself a few starter ideas with this list. You’ll soon find yourself immersed in a topic you love, pen (or keyboard) flowing.

Choosing a paper topic is often tougher than choosing a major, but if you’re still exploring which field of study to enter, browse for College Majors with our tool, or read this article on considerations when choosing a major. You’re well on your way to a degree!