This review article explores the recent advancements and ongoing research in Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SO coupling) across various fields of physics and materials science. Rashba SO coupling, introduced by Bychkov and Rashba in 1984 to explain electron spin resonance in two-dimensional semiconductors, has evolved into a fundamental concept with applications in spintronics and topological materials. The article highlights the unique transport properties emerging in systems with broken inversion symmetry, such as the spin Hall effect, spin interference, and spin galvanic effect. These phenomena enable the manipulation of spin states using electric fields, leading to devices like spin field-effect transistors and spin filters. The review also discusses the suppression of spin relaxation in strong, tunable SO coupling systems and the role of Rashba SO coupling in topological states, including quantum spin Hall insulators and Majorana fermions. Additionally, it covers the exploration of low-dimensional Dirac systems, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, where Rashba SO coupling plays a crucial role in phenomena like Klein tunneling and Zitterbewegung. The article concludes by discussing the development of synthetic SO coupling in cold-atom systems, which offers new opportunities for fundamental research and the creation of novel states of matter.This review article explores the recent advancements and ongoing research in Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SO coupling) across various fields of physics and materials science. Rashba SO coupling, introduced by Bychkov and Rashba in 1984 to explain electron spin resonance in two-dimensional semiconductors, has evolved into a fundamental concept with applications in spintronics and topological materials. The article highlights the unique transport properties emerging in systems with broken inversion symmetry, such as the spin Hall effect, spin interference, and spin galvanic effect. These phenomena enable the manipulation of spin states using electric fields, leading to devices like spin field-effect transistors and spin filters. The review also discusses the suppression of spin relaxation in strong, tunable SO coupling systems and the role of Rashba SO coupling in topological states, including quantum spin Hall insulators and Majorana fermions. Additionally, it covers the exploration of low-dimensional Dirac systems, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, where Rashba SO coupling plays a crucial role in phenomena like Klein tunneling and Zitterbewegung. The article concludes by discussing the development of synthetic SO coupling in cold-atom systems, which offers new opportunities for fundamental research and the creation of novel states of matter.