fore·front 
/ˈfoɚˌfrʌnt/ noun
plural fore·fronts /ˈfoɚˌfrʌnt/ noun [count] : the most important part or position — usually singular ▪ Their company is at/in the forefront of research in this area. [=their company is a leader in research in this area] ▪ The discussion has brought the issue of health care to the forefront. [=has made the issue very important or well-known]
