A Survey of Large Language Models in Discipline-specific Research: Challenges, Methods and Opportunities

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Xiang, Lu, Zhao, Yang, Zhang, Yaping, Zong, Chengqing
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Xiang, Lu
Zhao, Yang
Zhang, Yaping
Zong, Chengqing
author_facet Xiang, Lu
Zhao, Yang
Zhang, Yaping
Zong, Chengqing
contents Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated their transformative potential across numerous disciplinary studies, reshaping the existing research methodologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. However, a systematic understanding of their integration into diverse disciplines remains underexplored. This survey paper provides a comprehensive overview of the application of LLMs in interdisciplinary studies, categorising research efforts from both a technical perspective and with regard to their applicability. From a technical standpoint, key methodologies such as supervised fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, agent-based approaches, and tool-use integration are examined, which enhance the adaptability and effectiveness of LLMs in discipline-specific contexts. From the perspective of their applicability, this paper explores how LLMs are contributing to various disciplines including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and the humanities and social sciences, demonstrating their role in discipline-specific tasks. The prevailing challenges are critically examined and the promising research directions are highlighted alongside the recent advances in LLMs. By providing a comprehensive overview of the technical developments and applications in this field, this survey aims to serve as an invaluable resource for the researchers who are navigating the complex landscape of LLMs in the context of interdisciplinary studies.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2507_08425
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle A Survey of Large Language Models in Discipline-specific Research: Challenges, Methods and Opportunities
Xiang, Lu
Zhao, Yang
Zhang, Yaping
Zong, Chengqing
Computation and Language
Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated their transformative potential across numerous disciplinary studies, reshaping the existing research methodologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. However, a systematic understanding of their integration into diverse disciplines remains underexplored. This survey paper provides a comprehensive overview of the application of LLMs in interdisciplinary studies, categorising research efforts from both a technical perspective and with regard to their applicability. From a technical standpoint, key methodologies such as supervised fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, agent-based approaches, and tool-use integration are examined, which enhance the adaptability and effectiveness of LLMs in discipline-specific contexts. From the perspective of their applicability, this paper explores how LLMs are contributing to various disciplines including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and the humanities and social sciences, demonstrating their role in discipline-specific tasks. The prevailing challenges are critically examined and the promising research directions are highlighted alongside the recent advances in LLMs. By providing a comprehensive overview of the technical developments and applications in this field, this survey aims to serve as an invaluable resource for the researchers who are navigating the complex landscape of LLMs in the context of interdisciplinary studies.
title A Survey of Large Language Models in Discipline-specific Research: Challenges, Methods and Opportunities
topic Computation and Language
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.08425