From research into coral bleaching to ‘wonder material’ discoveries, work by five Lancaster University academics has seen them named Highly Cited Researchers 2019, according to the list from the Web of Science Group, released today.

The much-anticipated list identifies scientists and social scientists around the world who produced multiple papers ranking in the top 1% by citations for their field and year of publication, demonstrating significant research influence among their peers.

The methodology that determines the who’s who of influential researchers draws on the data and analysis performed by experts from the Institute for Scientific Information at the Web of Science Group.

Ranked in the top ten in three major national league tables, Lancaster University has a strong track record of excellence in both teaching and research - 83% of research at Lancaster was rated as either internationally excellent or world leading in the last Research Excellence Framework exercise (REF).

Professor Louise Heathwaite Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Lancaster University, said: “I'm delighted to see both recurring and new names appearing on this list of critically leading and global highly-cited researchers. Huge congratulations to all. The breadth and scope of the research interests captured here demonstrates our position on the global stage in producing high-quality research with impact. We are delighted to see our colleagues recognised in this way.”

The Lancaster University highly cited researchers are:

Professor Nick Graham is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and a Chair in Marine Ecology based in Lancaster University’s Environment Centre. His research tackles the challenges facing coral reef ecosystems, using large scale ecological and social-ecological approaches to understand and better manage climatic impacts and human use. He is also an adjunct professor at James Cook University, Australia.

Professor Steve Long is a Distinguished Professor of Crop Sciences. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and Member of the US National Academy of Sciences. He has a dual appointment at Lancaster University’s Environment Centre and the University of Illinois. He uses computational and experimental approaches to improve photosynthetic efficiency, and works to address the effects of climate change on crop yield. He has been recognised as a highly cited researcher in the field of plant and animal science every year since 2005.

Dr Leonid Ponomarenko is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Reader in Lancaster University’s Physics Department specializing in the novel 2D material graphene. Recently he was part of the team of physicists, which discovered how electrons travel through graphene.

Professor Mariana Rufino is a professor of agricultural systems in Lancaster University’s Environment Centre. She has been conducting interdisciplinary research for more than 20 years. Her research aims to advance the science and the development of new agricultural practices that underpin innovative and low-carbon farming systems. She works closely with policy makers at different levels to influence agricultural and climate change policies with rigorous science.

Professor Mohamed Kheireddine has a part-time affiliation to Lancaster University’s Department of Engineering. His research addresses the fundamental and technical issues related to water, energy and environment. Areas of interest include developing green solvents, sorbents and processes for CO2 capture and utilisation. Recently he won the IChemE 2018 Global Award in water category for his project entitled ‘Self-Cleaning Ultrafiltration System Producing Clean Water’.

David Pendlebury, Senior Citation Analyst at the Institute for Scientific Information, said: “Recognition and support of these exceptional researchers represents an important activity for a nation or an institution’s plans for efficient and accelerated advancement. The Highly Cited Researchers list contributes to the identification of that small fraction of the researcher population that contributes disproportionately to extending the frontiers of knowledge. These researchers create gains for society, innovation and knowledge that make the world healthier, richer, more sustainable and more secure.”

For more information, please visit www.webofsciencegroup.com.