<p>All of these fields contribute directly to technology development and improvements. </p>
<li>Computer Science (Microsoft,Google, Ebay, )</li>
<li>Computer and software Engineering (Nanotech, MEMS, Intel, IBM) </li>
<li>Biology (Biotechnology, genetic engineering, stem cell and gene therapy)</li>
<li>Physics (Parallel universes, M-theory (string theory), cosmology, NASA)</li>
<li>Chemistry (carbon nanotubes, polymers, material chemistry)</li>
<li>Mathematics (solving profs, developing new theorems) </li>
<li>Engineering (electrical, mechanical, chemical, just to mention a few. All of them are great) </li>
</ol>
<p>There is a lot of left out. Please share you comments to which careers directly contribute to improvements in technology and list some cutting edge research topics in each fields.</p>
<p>I'm not quite sure from what angle you're speaking, i.e. generally, or for someone majoring in one. For instance I've heard quite frequently that the work to be done in biology is more appropiate for those with graduate level knowledge.</p>
<p>As for physics, many say string theory and the like are rather speculative and practically unfalsifiable, so I'd be hesitant to put them in this category, even though they may pan out for practical applications. Similarly, in mathematics, I suspect there is much research that has little practical application; the trouble lies in discerning what obscure bit of research will be used a score henceforth for the latest technology.</p>
<p>Entrepeneur ( a vital component to MS, Ebay, Google...)</p>