Leading academics from the University of Aberdeen have been included in an influential list of the world's most highly cited researchers.
A total of 10 scientists, several of whom operate across multiple academic disciplines, have appeared in the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list as a result of their work at the University.
Each researcher selected has authored multiple Highly Cited Papers™ which rank in the top 1% by citations for their field(s) and publication year in the Web of Science over the past decade.
Internationally respected climate scientist, Professor Pete Smith, is one of 238 academics within the 6,849 on the list who is named in two fields - agricultural sciences and environmental and ecology.
Five of the scientists listed come from Rowett Institute’s acclaimed Gut Microbiology Group and are included in recognition of their work on the contribution of the microbiome to gut, and overall, health. This includes Dr Sylvia Duncan, Dr Petra Louis, Professor Karen Scott and Dr Alan Walker whose work includes investigating mechanisms to boost numbers of key microbiome species through the use of diet and identifying specific gut microbiome species for development as novel probiotics or biotherapeutics. Dr David Cooper who was worked on several randomised controlled trials, technology appraisals for NICE and a systematic review is also included.
In addition to current members of staff, the list also names academics whose work as Aberdeen staff members continues to be highly cited. This includes Emeritus Professor Harry Flint of the Rowett Institute, Professor Jill Francis, formerly Professor of Health Psychology and now at the University of Melbourne, Professor David Salt, former head of the Centre for Genome Enabled Biology, now of University of Nottingham and Honorary Researcher and lung cancer specialist, Professor Keith Kerr.
Professor Nicholas Forsyth, Vice-Principal Research at the University of Aberdeen, said: "The Highly Cited Researchers list recognises and celebrates outstanding researchers who are highly influential in their field, as evidenced by extensive citation of their work by their peers.
“Having 10 academics on this list is a fantastic achievement, reinforcing the University's longstanding commitment to research excellence. Interdisciplinarity is central to much of our research activity, so it is particularly pleasing to see many of those on the list acknowledged for their work across different academic disciplines. It is particularly pleasing to see five members of the Rowett’s Gut Microbiology Group recognised, this is testament to the research impact their work is having across the world.
“I congratulate all those included on the list, whose success speaks to the depth of academic talent within our University."
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 University of Aberdeen, 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.”