Exeter experts ranked among world’s most influential scientists

Leading academics from the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the world’s most influential researchers, according to a prestigious new ranking. 

Fifteen scientists from Exeter, and a further three who are affiliated to the University, feature in an authoritative new list of the most highly cited researchers worldwide, produced by Clarivate Analytics. 

Now in its 10th year, the report recognises researchers who demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade, based on the Web of Science citation index. 

The Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis to identify individuals from across the globe who have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their chosen field or fields of research.  

Exeter’s cohort, which has increased from last year, includes some of world’s leading experts on the environment, health, and microplastics pollution. 

They include Professor Clive Ballard, Professor Katrina Brown, Professor Peter Cox, Professor Tim Frayling, Professor Kevin Gaston, Professor Sarah Gurr, Professor James Screen and Dr Kees Jan van Groenigen, who all feature in the Cross-Field category of the awards. 

Professor Tamara Galloway features in the Environment & Ecology category, while Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, Professor Tim Lenton and Professor Stephen Sitch are featured in the Geosciences category. 

Professor Jack Bowden, Professor Ruth Garside and Dr Benedict Wheeler are also ranked in the Social Sciences category. 

Professor Herman Aguinis, Professor Penelope Lindeque and Professor Adam Scaife are also included in the rankings, but under their affiliation with other organisations.

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “We are extremely proud to have so many of our world-leading and influential researchers recognised in this global report. It is a wonderful recognition of the quality and impact coming from our strong research community. Our work is addressing many of the most pressing and urgent issues affecting us all, and we are committed to ensuring a greener, fairer and healthier future for everyone.”  

David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Exeter whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community and innovations that make the world healthier, more sustainable and more secure. Their contributions resonate far beyond their individual achievements, strengthening the foundation of excellence and innovation in research.”