So I've started Aftershock recently after playing a LOT of Aftermath, and while I'm impressed with how much more complex and challenging the game is, I got my behind handed to me by cultists in my first fight with them. Seeing as I've mostly stumbled through the game up until now, I've decided to start anew and while I'm at it, I thought I'd ask for some beginner, non-spoily tips, especially on what to do with research - should I research as many things as I can at once? Should I go for weapons, energy guns, research, medkits? Should I keep all tracks active all the time? Etc.

That's it for everybody: This is the tougher part of the game.
You will have to make an ambush, save and load often... You do as you want with this game, but research in medkits is not very usefull... Read the good guide here:
http://www.strategycore.co.uk/files/index.php?dlid=244

Well... this basically answers most of my questions, but if anyone has anything interesting to share, go ahead :)

If you read french, here are my tips:
http://www.esprits.net/forums/index.php?topic=388.0

Get a level-three scout. He can see everyone's health and stats, which is very much worth it. Especially when you're trying to figure out how to hurt a new enemy.

Cyborgs with machine guns work crazy well in tandem with snipers.

Manage your psi resources well. You'll have plenty of normal and high-tech resources after a short while, but psi resources are always in high demand.

If you want to demand resources from a faction, be ready to make some expensive gifts (of the other two resources) afterwards.

Laser/energy weapons are very necessary to hurt some units, later in the game.

I can give better advice if you tell me about your loadout, problems, or strategies!