Critical materials refer to raw materials that are essential for the production of various high-tech and green technologies, such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. These materials are deemed critical due to their scarcity, geopolitical importance, and the potential risks associated with their supply chain disruption. Research in the field of critical materials focuses on ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of these materials through strategies such as recycling, substitution with alternative materials, and developing new extraction and processing technologies. This research area also aims to assess the environmental and social impacts of mining and processing critical materials, as well as to address challenges related to their end-of-life management and disposal. Overall, the goal of research in critical materials is to enhance the resilience and security of supply chains for key technologies and industries.