vanguard
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈvænˌɡɑɹd// UK //vˈæŋɡɑːd// van·guard
n. the people or group leading a new development or movement. You use this when someone is at the front of a change, like in art or politics.
n. the leading position in a military formation or, by extension, the forefront of a movement or development. Often used with the definite article 'the'.
She is at the vanguard of modern dance.
The startup stands at the vanguard of artificial intelligence research.
Though often celebrated, those at the vanguard of social change frequently face intense criticism before their ideas become widely accepted.