forefront

(noun) the part in the front or nearest the viewer. Synonyms: head. Examples: "He was in the forefront." "He was at the head of the column."

(noun) the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field. Synonyms: vanguard, cutting edge. Examples: "The cotswolds were once at the forefront of woollen manufacturing in england." "The idea of motion was always to the forefront of his mind and central to his philosophy."