Strap in, science enthusiasts! The future has arrived. 2025 is gearing up to be an epic year of scientific showdowns and breakthroughs. Picture a world where nuclear reactors power up cities as fast as quantum computers solve complex problems, and brain-computer interfaces unlock human potential like never before.
This isn’t the plot of a sci-fi blockbuster, but this could be the world in 2025. From bold space explorations to pioneering particle physics experiments, the coming year is set to be a spectacular showcase of innovation.
Prepare to be amazed as we take you through seven scientific and technological revolutions about to unfold in 2025.
Notably, India and China each complete three, while Bangladesh and Russia add two each, and South Korea and Turkey add one each. Around 90 reactors with a combined capacity of roughly 90 GWe are planned, with over 300 more proposed, predominantly in Asian nations where economic growth and electricity demand are rapidly increasing.
Despite new reactors coming online, the number of operational reactors has remained relatively stable due to the retirement of older units. Over the past two decades, 107 reactors were retired while 100 new reactors began operations. Presently, about 440 nuclear reactors are in operation across 32 countries worldwide, including Taiwan, with a total capacity of about 390 GWe. In 2023, these reactors contributed approximately 2,602 TWh, accounting for about 9% of the global electricity supply.
Nuclear power station Dukovany, Czech Republic (iStock)
Recognizing the potential of advanced nuclear technologies to meet sustainability objectives, tech giants such as Google are making substantial investments in this sector. Notably, Google has also collaborated with Kairos Power to integrate nuclear energy into its grid, complementing its reliance on renewable sources like wind and solar.
The future of nuclear power looks promising, with projections indicating a nearly 3 percent annual growth in global nuclear power generation through 2026, setting new records by 2025. This optimistic outlook was bolstered by a joint declaration signed at the COP28 climate conference in December 2023, where over 20 countries committed to tripling nuclear capacity by 2050, translating to an additional 740 GW.
Innovations in nuclear technology continue to evolve, with developments such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offering versatile and efficient solutions. This trajectory is not only taking us to a greener tomorrow but also contributing to local economic growth and job creation.
Recent advancements have edged “quantum utility” closer than ever. For example, Google’s latest quantum processor, Willow, demonstrated its potential by solving a computational problem in just five minutes, that the most powerful supercomputers could not tackle within the age of the universe.
This achievement highlights the unique ability of quantum computers to manage tasks with an extensive array of variable inputs, making them particularly suitable for simulating complex systems, from molecular interactions in drug development to tricky economic forecasts.
IMB Q quantum computer and Google Willow quantum chip (1,2)
The commercial quantum computing landscape has seen significant contributions from pioneers like Canadian-based D-Wave Quantum Inc., which in 2011 became the first company to sell quantum computers. Major tech entities such as IBM, Google, and Amazon Web Services and startups like Universal Quantum and PsiQuantum Corp. are actively developing this technology.
Notably, companies including Microsoft and Intel are progressing towards building scalable, practical quantum supercomputers, with Intel shipping a silicon quantum chip with notably smaller qubits than conventional designs.
Despite their prowess, quantum computers are not intended to replace conventional computers for everyday tasks that involve sequential processing of simpler, isolated data sets. Instead, they are being developed to handle high-complexity problem-solving.
Looking ahead to 2025, the quantum computing field is expected to achieve critical milestones such as increased qubit count and coherence times, advancements in quantum algorithms, integration with classical supercomputers, improvements in quantum error correction, and broader adoption of quantum-safe cryptography.
A standout innovation is NEO, a wireless, minimally invasive BCI system equipped with eight electrodes. This device, positioned over the brain’s sensorimotor cortex, is specifically engineered to restore hand mobility in individuals with paralysis. NEO’s clinical trials, initiated in 2023, have already shown promising outcomes. After nine months of home use, a participant with a spinal cord injury regained the ability to perform daily tasks such as eating and drinking independently. Plans are in place to move the implant to larger-scale trials by 2025.
Robot-human communion via neural activity (Heriot-Watt University HRI Group)
In the realm of fully implantable BCIs, Paradromics emerges as a notable player. It distinguishes itself by recording from single neurons and utilizing durable materials that enhance the longevity and safety of the implants. The company is gearing up for its clinical trials slated for 2025.
Meanwhile, New York-based Synchron is making strides in the United States by integrating generative AI technology into its endovascular BCI systems. This development aims to enhance communication capabilities for individuals with motor impairments, allowing for more interactive and intuitive use of BCI platforms.
Technological advancements are also expected in non-invasive BCIs, such as those utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Improvements are also anticipated in areas like materials science and device miniaturization, leading to less invasive devices and ones which are more compatible with human tissue.
The scope of BCI applications is expanding, with potential new treatments for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and depression. Moreover, BCIs are set to play an increasingly vital role in neurorehabilitation, aiding individuals in recovering motor functions lost to conditions like paralysis and stroke.
As BCI technology advances, it also prompts a deeper examination of the ethical and regulatory aspects of interfacing technology with the human brain, indicating that discussions in these areas will become more prevalent and important.
Similarly, Houston’s Intuitive Machines will deploy a lander to the Moon’s south pole, carrying crucial instruments like a NASA ice drill and a mass spectrometer to analyze subsurface materials. Additionally, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer will orbit the Moon to map surface water, further enriching our lunar exploration efforts.
The year will also witness significant advancements in studying solar winds with two major missions. The SMILE (Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) satellite, a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aims to explore the interaction of solar wind with Earth’s magnetic field.
Simultaneously, NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission will use four satellites in low Earth orbit to study the Sun’s atmosphere and produce 3D imagery that will answer long-standing questions about solar energy distribution in the Solar System.
Orion viewing Earth and the Moon from lunar orbit (NASA)
NASA’s SPHEREx mission is another highlight of 2025, poised to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. This observatory will map the sky in 102 colors using near-infrared light, collecting data on over 450 million galaxies and more than 100 million Milky Way stars, helping to decode the universe’s origins.
Additional notable missions include the Fram2 private space mission by SpaceX, embarking on the first crewed polar orbit spaceflight; the Sierra Space Dream Chaser, testing its reusable spaceplane capabilities with a mission to the ISS; and NASA’s EscaPADE mission, launching on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket to study Mars’ magnetosphere, directed by the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory.
Sophia, for instance, is celebrated for its human-like conversational abilities and facial expressions, utilizing AI to analyze and respond to language effectively. Atlasexcels in complex movements and environmental navigation, leveraging AI to handle tasks requiring advanced physical interactions.
Agibot (left) and Atlas (right) (1,2)
Unitree, the quadruped robot, is known for its dynamic movement and obstacle navigation, and it is capable of performing intricate maneuvers like backflips. Ameca stands out for its realistic facial expressions, using AI to enhance human-robot interactions. The figure is designed for versatility, employing AI for object recognition and manipulation and adapting effortlessly to various environments.
These robots have seen enhancements in their capabilities throughout the year, driven by hardware improvements and AI advancements, further blurring the lines between human and machine interactions.
Looking ahead to 2025, the trend of integrating AI to refine decision-making and optimize workflows in robotics is expected to continue. Robot manufacturers are developing generative AI-driven interfaces that allow more intuitive control over robots through natural language, bypassing the need for complex coding. This would enable robots to process and respond to detailed commands, understand complex situations, and even exhibit creative thinking.
Developments to watch for include the commercial deployment of robots like the Tesla Bot, an empirical way to gauge the practical use of robotics in everyday environments. Additionally, major investments by leading companies like Amazon or Google, potentially in home robotics, indicate a broader acceptance and integration of robotics in consumer spaces.
Further advancements in AI, particularly in computer vision and natural language processing (NLP), will enable robots to perceive their surroundings better and interact more naturally with users. These advancements are moving us to a future where highly autonomous robots are integral to our daily lives.
NASA has recently achieved a significant breakthrough with its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft. On December 12, at the Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, NASA completed the first full burn test, a critical milestone before the project’s full flight testing in 2025. The X-59 is designed to cut down long-distance flight times significantly, both domestically within the United States and internationally.
British Airways Concorde (iStock)
Boom Supersonic is also making advances with its Overture supersonic passenger jet. On December 19, 2024, Boom’s prototype, the XB-1, completed its 10th test flight, achieving a new top speed of Mach 0.95 and reaching an altitude of 32,417 feet, approaching the typical supersonic flight level of about 34,000 feet. This test positions the XB-1 on the cusp of breaking the sound barrier, anticipated in early 2025.
Notably, the XB-1’s speed has surpassed the cruising speeds of major commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A380, showcasing its potential to revolutionize air travel by combining speed with advanced performance capabilities.
Additionally, Venus Aerospace is testing the limits of air travel with its revolutionary hypersonic jet. With the expected inaugural test flight in 2025, this aircraft promises to connect London and New York in just one hour, traveling at speeds up to Mach 6 (3,600 mph/5,795 km/h). The Venus Detonation Ramjet 2000 lb Thrust Engine, or VDR2, is at the core of this development, enabling previously unimaginable speeds that could significantly alter the future of international travel.
These advancements signal a historic moment in aviation, where the combined efforts of NASA, Boom Supersonic, and Venus Aerospace initiate a new supersonic era of rapid, efficient, and sustainable air travel.
This tool will offer scientists unprecedented insights into the properties of matter, supporting advances in energy storage, sustainable technologies, pharmaceuticals, and biological systems. Additionally, research at ESS will explore new materials critical for energy production and storage, such as superconductors and batteries, contributing to solutions for global challenges like climate change, environmental pollution, and resource scarcity. The ESS represents a collaborative effort among 13 European countries, enhancing scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange on a global scale.
Simultaneously, plans for the Future Circular Collider (FCC) are progressing at CERN, the European particle-physics laboratory outside Geneva, Switzerland. A detailed feasibility study, expected to conclude in 2025, will assess the financial, technical, and environmental aspects of constructing a massive particle accelerator with a 91-kilometer circumference.
This ambitious project, envisioned as the successor to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), aims to start construction in the 2030s. The FCC will be situated approximately 200 meters underground, a tunnel that could encircle an area larger than Chicago, and is planned to include four experimental halls.
The FCC is designed to operate at significantly higher energies than its predecessors, enabling more precise measurements of particles like the Higgs Boson. This enhancement will deepen our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. It could lead to the discovery of new particles and phenomena that extend beyond the current Standard Model, such as supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and dark matter. These investigations are crucial for unlocking further secrets of the universe.
source: https://interestingengineering.com/culture/top-7-scientific-events-2025
This isn’t the plot of a sci-fi blockbuster, but this could be the world in 2025. From bold space explorations to pioneering particle physics experiments, the coming year is set to be a spectacular showcase of innovation.
Prepare to be amazed as we take you through seven scientific and technological revolutions about to unfold in 2025.
Nuclear energy boom
As the global demand for clean and scalable energy solutions ignited the spark for nuclear energy with tech giants betting big on it. In 2024, the world embraced the nuclear renaissance. Now, 2025 will be the crucial ‘prove-it’ year for nuclear energy’s resurgence. Approximately 65 nuclear reactors are under constructionin 16 countries, with plans to complete 12 by 2025.Notably, India and China each complete three, while Bangladesh and Russia add two each, and South Korea and Turkey add one each. Around 90 reactors with a combined capacity of roughly 90 GWe are planned, with over 300 more proposed, predominantly in Asian nations where economic growth and electricity demand are rapidly increasing.
Despite new reactors coming online, the number of operational reactors has remained relatively stable due to the retirement of older units. Over the past two decades, 107 reactors were retired while 100 new reactors began operations. Presently, about 440 nuclear reactors are in operation across 32 countries worldwide, including Taiwan, with a total capacity of about 390 GWe. In 2023, these reactors contributed approximately 2,602 TWh, accounting for about 9% of the global electricity supply.
Recognizing the potential of advanced nuclear technologies to meet sustainability objectives, tech giants such as Google are making substantial investments in this sector. Notably, Google has also collaborated with Kairos Power to integrate nuclear energy into its grid, complementing its reliance on renewable sources like wind and solar.
The future of nuclear power looks promising, with projections indicating a nearly 3 percent annual growth in global nuclear power generation through 2026, setting new records by 2025. This optimistic outlook was bolstered by a joint declaration signed at the COP28 climate conference in December 2023, where over 20 countries committed to tripling nuclear capacity by 2050, translating to an additional 740 GW.
Innovations in nuclear technology continue to evolve, with developments such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offering versatile and efficient solutions. This trajectory is not only taking us to a greener tomorrow but also contributing to local economic growth and job creation.
Closing in on the quantum age
Quantum computing, a concept that has fascinated physicists for over four decades, is quickly realizing practical applications. This technology, rooted in the principles of quantum physics, offers processing capabilities far beyond those of traditional computers. It is set to amplify our scientific endeavors by enabling the modeling of complex phenomena that classical computers can’t efficiently process.Recent advancements have edged “quantum utility” closer than ever. For example, Google’s latest quantum processor, Willow, demonstrated its potential by solving a computational problem in just five minutes, that the most powerful supercomputers could not tackle within the age of the universe.
This achievement highlights the unique ability of quantum computers to manage tasks with an extensive array of variable inputs, making them particularly suitable for simulating complex systems, from molecular interactions in drug development to tricky economic forecasts.
The commercial quantum computing landscape has seen significant contributions from pioneers like Canadian-based D-Wave Quantum Inc., which in 2011 became the first company to sell quantum computers. Major tech entities such as IBM, Google, and Amazon Web Services and startups like Universal Quantum and PsiQuantum Corp. are actively developing this technology.
Notably, companies including Microsoft and Intel are progressing towards building scalable, practical quantum supercomputers, with Intel shipping a silicon quantum chip with notably smaller qubits than conventional designs.
Despite their prowess, quantum computers are not intended to replace conventional computers for everyday tasks that involve sequential processing of simpler, isolated data sets. Instead, they are being developed to handle high-complexity problem-solving.
Looking ahead to 2025, the quantum computing field is expected to achieve critical milestones such as increased qubit count and coherence times, advancements in quantum algorithms, integration with classical supercomputers, improvements in quantum error correction, and broader adoption of quantum-safe cryptography.
Connecting minds and machines with BCI in 2025
Entering 2025, the brain-computer interface (BCI) frontier is witnessing significant developments, particularly in China. The country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has outlined ambitious plans to pioneer BCI devices that span a range of applications from medical rehabilitation to virtual reality enhancements.A standout innovation is NEO, a wireless, minimally invasive BCI system equipped with eight electrodes. This device, positioned over the brain’s sensorimotor cortex, is specifically engineered to restore hand mobility in individuals with paralysis. NEO’s clinical trials, initiated in 2023, have already shown promising outcomes. After nine months of home use, a participant with a spinal cord injury regained the ability to perform daily tasks such as eating and drinking independently. Plans are in place to move the implant to larger-scale trials by 2025.
In the realm of fully implantable BCIs, Paradromics emerges as a notable player. It distinguishes itself by recording from single neurons and utilizing durable materials that enhance the longevity and safety of the implants. The company is gearing up for its clinical trials slated for 2025.
Meanwhile, New York-based Synchron is making strides in the United States by integrating generative AI technology into its endovascular BCI systems. This development aims to enhance communication capabilities for individuals with motor impairments, allowing for more interactive and intuitive use of BCI platforms.
Technological advancements are also expected in non-invasive BCIs, such as those utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Improvements are also anticipated in areas like materials science and device miniaturization, leading to less invasive devices and ones which are more compatible with human tissue.
The scope of BCI applications is expanding, with potential new treatments for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and depression. Moreover, BCIs are set to play an increasingly vital role in neurorehabilitation, aiding individuals in recovering motor functions lost to conditions like paralysis and stroke.
As BCI technology advances, it also prompts a deeper examination of the ethical and regulatory aspects of interfacing technology with the human brain, indicating that discussions in these areas will become more prevalent and important.
Big space aspirations for 2025
2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for space exploration, building on the successes of 2024, which included the first successful lunar landing by a private spacecraft. In January, ispace, a Tokyo-based company, will make its second attempt to land on the Moon with the Venture Moon mission, which includes a lander and a micro-rover.Similarly, Houston’s Intuitive Machines will deploy a lander to the Moon’s south pole, carrying crucial instruments like a NASA ice drill and a mass spectrometer to analyze subsurface materials. Additionally, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer will orbit the Moon to map surface water, further enriching our lunar exploration efforts.
The year will also witness significant advancements in studying solar winds with two major missions. The SMILE (Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) satellite, a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aims to explore the interaction of solar wind with Earth’s magnetic field.
Simultaneously, NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission will use four satellites in low Earth orbit to study the Sun’s atmosphere and produce 3D imagery that will answer long-standing questions about solar energy distribution in the Solar System.
NASA’s SPHEREx mission is another highlight of 2025, poised to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. This observatory will map the sky in 102 colors using near-infrared light, collecting data on over 450 million galaxies and more than 100 million Milky Way stars, helping to decode the universe’s origins.
Additional notable missions include the Fram2 private space mission by SpaceX, embarking on the first crewed polar orbit spaceflight; the Sierra Space Dream Chaser, testing its reusable spaceplane capabilities with a mission to the ISS; and NASA’s EscaPADE mission, launching on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket to study Mars’ magnetosphere, directed by the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory.
Evolution of humanoid robotics
Naturally, since artificial intelligence is getting smarter, in 2025, integrating AI into robotics will further enhance how robots interact with the living world. While the arrival of fully autonomous robots may still be some distance away, there has been considerable progress in developing robots that mimic human capabilities, such as walking, talking, and expressing emotions, thanks to AI. This integration is crucial in taking some of the world’s most advanced robots to the next level.Sophia, for instance, is celebrated for its human-like conversational abilities and facial expressions, utilizing AI to analyze and respond to language effectively. Atlasexcels in complex movements and environmental navigation, leveraging AI to handle tasks requiring advanced physical interactions.
Unitree, the quadruped robot, is known for its dynamic movement and obstacle navigation, and it is capable of performing intricate maneuvers like backflips. Ameca stands out for its realistic facial expressions, using AI to enhance human-robot interactions. The figure is designed for versatility, employing AI for object recognition and manipulation and adapting effortlessly to various environments.
These robots have seen enhancements in their capabilities throughout the year, driven by hardware improvements and AI advancements, further blurring the lines between human and machine interactions.
Looking ahead to 2025, the trend of integrating AI to refine decision-making and optimize workflows in robotics is expected to continue. Robot manufacturers are developing generative AI-driven interfaces that allow more intuitive control over robots through natural language, bypassing the need for complex coding. This would enable robots to process and respond to detailed commands, understand complex situations, and even exhibit creative thinking.
Developments to watch for include the commercial deployment of robots like the Tesla Bot, an empirical way to gauge the practical use of robotics in everyday environments. Additionally, major investments by leading companies like Amazon or Google, potentially in home robotics, indicate a broader acceptance and integration of robotics in consumer spaces.
Further advancements in AI, particularly in computer vision and natural language processing (NLP), will enable robots to perceive their surroundings better and interact more naturally with users. These advancements are moving us to a future where highly autonomous robots are integral to our daily lives.
The rebirth of supersonic travel in 2025
Commercial aviation is on the brink of a transformative turn, with advancements in supersonic and hypersonic technologies that will drastically reduce global travel times. These innovations in aircraft design not only focus on speed but are also aimed at achieving quieter, more environmentally friendly supersonic travel, resurrecting a mode of transportation that has waned since Concorde’s retirement.NASA has recently achieved a significant breakthrough with its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft. On December 12, at the Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, NASA completed the first full burn test, a critical milestone before the project’s full flight testing in 2025. The X-59 is designed to cut down long-distance flight times significantly, both domestically within the United States and internationally.
Boom Supersonic is also making advances with its Overture supersonic passenger jet. On December 19, 2024, Boom’s prototype, the XB-1, completed its 10th test flight, achieving a new top speed of Mach 0.95 and reaching an altitude of 32,417 feet, approaching the typical supersonic flight level of about 34,000 feet. This test positions the XB-1 on the cusp of breaking the sound barrier, anticipated in early 2025.
Notably, the XB-1’s speed has surpassed the cruising speeds of major commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A380, showcasing its potential to revolutionize air travel by combining speed with advanced performance capabilities.
Additionally, Venus Aerospace is testing the limits of air travel with its revolutionary hypersonic jet. With the expected inaugural test flight in 2025, this aircraft promises to connect London and New York in just one hour, traveling at speeds up to Mach 6 (3,600 mph/5,795 km/h). The Venus Detonation Ramjet 2000 lb Thrust Engine, or VDR2, is at the core of this development, enabling previously unimaginable speeds that could significantly alter the future of international travel.
These advancements signal a historic moment in aviation, where the combined efforts of NASA, Boom Supersonic, and Venus Aerospace initiate a new supersonic era of rapid, efficient, and sustainable air travel.
Digging the universe with particle physics
In 2025, the particle physics community anticipates the commencement of operations at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden. After more than a decade of construction, this state-of-the-art facility will emerge as the world’s most powerful neutron source. Utilizing a high-speed proton beam directed at a heavy-metal target, the ESS will generate intense neutron pulses to probe the structure and dynamics of various materials.This tool will offer scientists unprecedented insights into the properties of matter, supporting advances in energy storage, sustainable technologies, pharmaceuticals, and biological systems. Additionally, research at ESS will explore new materials critical for energy production and storage, such as superconductors and batteries, contributing to solutions for global challenges like climate change, environmental pollution, and resource scarcity. The ESS represents a collaborative effort among 13 European countries, enhancing scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange on a global scale.
Simultaneously, plans for the Future Circular Collider (FCC) are progressing at CERN, the European particle-physics laboratory outside Geneva, Switzerland. A detailed feasibility study, expected to conclude in 2025, will assess the financial, technical, and environmental aspects of constructing a massive particle accelerator with a 91-kilometer circumference.
This ambitious project, envisioned as the successor to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), aims to start construction in the 2030s. The FCC will be situated approximately 200 meters underground, a tunnel that could encircle an area larger than Chicago, and is planned to include four experimental halls.
The FCC is designed to operate at significantly higher energies than its predecessors, enabling more precise measurements of particles like the Higgs Boson. This enhancement will deepen our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. It could lead to the discovery of new particles and phenomena that extend beyond the current Standard Model, such as supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and dark matter. These investigations are crucial for unlocking further secrets of the universe.
source: https://interestingengineering.com/culture/top-7-scientific-events-2025
