Exploring Causal Learning Through Graph Neural Networks: An In‐Depth Review

ABSTRACT In machine learning, exploring data correlations to predict outcomes is a fundamental task. Recognizing causal relationships embedded within data is pivotal for a comprehensive understanding of system dynamics, the significance of which is paramount in data‐driven decision‐making processes. Beyond traditional methods, there has been a shift toward using graph neural networks (GNNs) for causal learning, given their capabilities as universal data approximators. Thus, a thorough review of the advancements in causal learning using GNNs is both relevant and timely. To structure this review, we introduce a novel taxonomy that encompasses various state‐of‐the‐art GNN methods used in studying causality. GNNs are further categorized based on their applications in the causality domain. We further provide an exhaustive compilation of datasets integral to causal learning with GNNs to serve as a resource for practical study. This review also touches upon the application of causal learning across diverse sectors. We conclude the review with insights into potential challenges and promising avenues for future exploration in this rapidly evolving field of machine learning.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
Published
2025-05-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/widm.70024
Citations
9
Primary Topic
Advanced Graph Neural Networks
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
22.33

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Exploring Causal Learning Through Graph Neural Networks: An In‐Depth Review

Jianming Yong, Haoran Xie, Taotao Cai, Simi Job et al.
9 citations
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
Advanced Graph Neural Networks
22.33
article

Exploring Causal Learning Through Graph Neural Networks: An In‐Depth Review

Jianming Yong, Haoran Xie, Taotao Cai, Simi Job, Xiaohui Tao, Qing Li, Lin Li
article en
9 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT In machine learning, exploring data correlations to predict outcomes is a fundamental task. Recognizing causal relationships embedded within data is pivotal for a comprehensive understanding of system dynamics, the significance of which is paramount in data‐driven decision‐making processes. Beyond traditional methods, there has been a shift toward using graph neural networks (GNNs) for causal learning, given their capabilities as universal data approximators. Thus, a thorough review of the advancements in causal learning using GNNs is both relevant and timely. To structure this review, we introduce a novel taxonomy that encompasses various state‐of‐the‐art GNN methods used in studying causality. GNNs are further categorized based on their applications in the causality domain. We further provide an exhaustive compilation of datasets integral to causal learning with GNNs to serve as a resource for practical study. This review also touches upon the application of causal learning across diverse sectors. We conclude the review with insights into potential challenges and promising avenues for future exploration in this rapidly evolving field of machine learning.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Data Mining and Knowledge DiscoveryVol. 15(2)
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK), University of Southern Queensland (AU), Wuhan University of Technology (CN)
University of Southern Queensland
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Advanced Graph Neural Networks
22.33
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Exploring Causal Learning Through Graph Neural Networks: An In‐Depth Review — Jianming Yong, Haoran Xie, et al. · Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS