NB: research != academic research in this text. Thanks.
At xycloolabs we first reserach how different technologies and theories can aid shaping a more complete and composite world computer, stich them together into ideas, and if such ideas end up making sense we develop them.
The fields that we are interested in researching are currently infrastructure, consensus, and trusted execution. Within these bounds there are various topics that we are actively looking into, developing, or already developed. Over the past two years we've been focusing on data infrastructure for the Stellar network, and the next step for us is to explore trustless infrastructure. In fact, we've already been experimenting with running attestable data workflows that can then be fed as verifiable source for chain data in the chain itself, you can read more about that at https://heytdep.github.io/post/38/post.html. Other research directions in terms for trusted infrastructure include P2P rails, trusted custodial automations, and many more; time is our limit.
We also remain committed to the growth of the Stellar Network, whose foundations (viva FBA!) are most aligned with our vision. As such, we not only continue the development of Mercury, but also aim to put the network as starting point for future products and research.