Nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC) is a fundamental process in nuclear physics. Despite its theoretical framework established nearly half a century ago, the experimental confirmation of NEEC remains elusive because of significant technical challenges. A notable effort to validate NEEC experimentally involved the enhanced \(^\text{93m}\) Mo isomer-depletion experiment, which was ultimately hindered by substantial noise interference. This mini-review provides a brief historical overview of NEEC studies and explores the role of NEEC processes in astrophysical environments and laser-induced plasmas. Several platforms have been proposed to facilitate the observation of NEEC, including traditional cooling-storage rings, ion accelerators, and electron beam ion traps. These approaches aim to enhance the nuclear excitation rate, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, the employment of exotic vortex beams is discussed as a potential methodological approach to address these challenges.
