World Online Ranking of Best Plant & Agronomy Scientists – 2023 Report

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On April 11, 2023, Research.com published its second report on the best scientists in the field of plant science and agronomy. The annual report aims to increase the visibility of scientists and their research contributions that advance the knowledge and technologies used in plant and agronomy science.

With the 2023 edition, our research team hopes to continue our contribution to the scientific community. Our ranking of leading plant science and agronomy serves as a directory for other researchers, educational institutions, and related organizations around the globe that need to look for scientists who excel in their field.

We have tallied more than 2,500 scientists found in Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph and examined them using several indicators and metrics such as citations and awards. These helped us in considering each scientist's inclusion in the 2023 report. The D-index threshold for including a scientist was set to 30 if most of their publications were in the field of plant and agronomy science.

Latest discoveries in plant science & agronomy research

Over the past few years, there have been notable advancements in plant and agronomy research, resulting in fresh findings and cutting-edge techniques. These breakthroughs can enhance plant growth and development, boost crop productivity, and encourage environmentally sustainable farming methods.

For instance, researchers have identified how the FERONIA receptor-like kinase coordinates plant growth and salt tolerance via phyB phosphorylation, which is essential for plants to adapt to high salt concentrations. Moreover, grazing-incidence diffraction has uncovered the structural organization of cellulose and pectin in hydrated plant primary cell walls, which can help researchers better understand plant growth and development.

Scientists have also made breakthroughs in extracting energy from plants by deepening their understanding of the earliest stages of photosynthesis. Harnessing photosynthesis to produce electricity enables the more efficient use of resources for the agriculture industry, especially in worsening environmental conditions due to climate change.

The key findings for the 2nd edition of the best plant & agronomy scientists ranking

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 272 scholars included in 2023.
• Among the top 10 scientists in the report, only one is from the U.S.
• In the 2nd edition of our report, the U.S. Agricultural Research Service is once again the leader with 28 scientists affiliated with the institution.
• The top-ranking scientist in plant & agronomy science is Rattan Lal from the Ohio State University, United States.
• The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 136.2 against an average of 66.51 for all 1,000 scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2023 list of best plant & agronomy scientists can be found here:

WORLD'S BEST PLANT & AGRONOMY SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading plant & agronomy scientists

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 272 scholars included in our 2023 report, four more scientists versus in 2022. This makes up 27.2% of the plant & agronomy scientists' ranking, a 0.40% increase from last year.
• Australia and the United Kingdom rank second with 92 scientists. Australia is down from its previous 98 scientists, while the U.K. has increased its share of scholars, from 88 to 92.
• The other leading countries are Germany with 75 scientists, Canada with 51, China with 50, Spain with 48, and France with 35.
• The Netherlands and Japan (9th and 10th placers in 2022) dropped out of this year's top 10 countries. Their positions now belong to Italy and Sweden with 28 and 27 scientists, respectively.

Please note that the country associated with a scientist is based on their affiliated research institution according to MAG, not on their actual nationality.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

• The U.S. Agricultural Research Service maintains its top position with 28 scientists this year, the same as in 2022.
• Ranking second is the University of California, Davis with 25 scientists.
• Other institutions in the top five are the University of Western Australia (19), down by 4 scientists vs. in 2022, the Spanish National Research Council, and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (both with 16 scientists), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (14).
• American universities constitute 30% of the top 10 leading institutions this year, a notable 10% jump from last year. The other institutions on the top list are based in Australia, Spain, China, Canada, and the U.K.
• Only one scientist in the top 10 is affiliated with an American institution.
• Germany's Max Planck Institute has the most number of scientists in the top 1% of the ranking.
• Other institutions that have representative scientists in the top 1% are the University of Birmingham and Rothamsted Research, both in the U.K., the Australian National University, the China Agricultural University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

What Are the Advantages of Pursuing Advanced Degrees in Plant and Agronomy Research?

Advanced degrees in plant and agronomy research enhance a professional’s ability to secure competitive funding and foster interdisciplinary collaborations that drive breakthrough innovations. Graduate-level education facilitates access to specialized research facilities, supports the development of advanced methodologies, and cultivates networks with industry-leading experts. This elevated expertise often translates into improved project management, more significant contributions to sustainable agricultural practices, and a stronger competitive edge in academic and industry roles—contributing to pathways such as the highest-paying graduate degrees.

What Role Do Accelerated Degree Programs Play in Advancing Plant and Agronomy Research?

Emerging educational structures, such as accelerated degree programs, are transforming the way future plant science experts and agronomy professionals gain expertise. These programs condense traditional learning timelines while integrating hands-on research opportunities that are closely aligned with current industry needs. The streamlined curricula and immersive experiences foster rapid skill development, enabling graduates to immediately contribute to innovative practices in sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient technologies.

How Do Accelerated Doctorate Programs Enhance Research Productivity in Plant and Agronomy?

Accelerated doctoral programs, particularly through reputable online platforms, compress traditional timelines by integrating intensive coursework with focused research initiatives. This educational innovation enables scientists to rapidly develop advanced skills while simultaneously addressing urgent agricultural challenges. Enhanced early engagement in interdisciplinary projects fosters swift translation of research findings into sustainable practices without compromising academic rigor. Furthermore, such streamlined pathways support professionals in balancing evolving research demands with practical industry applications. For more details on specialized track durations and structures, explore our guide What is the shortest doctorate program?

Strengthening research in online universities

Three years after the COVID-19 outbreak and the global shift to online learning, there is no going back to the traditional ways of delivering higher education. Online education trends only see more institutions expanding their online programs as 63% of students report studying online is the best fit for their work and life responsibilities.

Online universities, particularly in the field of plant science, also help strengthen research. These institutions enable students from any country to study with the best professors and participate in research on topics like plant biotechnology and genetic engineering, organic farming and regenerative agriculture, and post-harvest technology and food processing.

Moreover, since online universities attract students from various countries, there is a diversity in perspectives. Research activities have the potential to stimulate innovative ideas because of this diversity. Examples of universities that offer online courses in plant science include Cornell University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Florida A&M University.

Collaboration is also more efficient, especially for universities that implement software and learning platforms. These technologies facilitate communication and sharing of knowledge between students and professors in real time no matter where they are in the world.

How Can Veterans Transition into Plant and Agronomy Research?

Veterans offer a unique set of skills—including discipline, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities—that can significantly contribute to innovation in plant and agronomy research. Dedicated programs and specialized training pathways ease the transition from military service to advanced scientific roles by aligning transferable skills with emerging research technologies. Institutions are increasingly establishing targeted support structures that provide mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and flexible learning modalities. For instance, many benefit from resources available at online colleges for veterans, which allow seamless integration into the scientific community while fostering sustainable practices and cutting-edge discoveries.

How Can Collaborations with Military Friendly Online Universities Enhance Research Innovation?

Robust partnerships across academic, governmental, and defense sectors are increasingly vital in driving breakthrough research in plant and agronomy science. Engagement with military friendly online universities and similar institutions fosters a multidimensional research environment by integrating diverse expertise, specialized resources, and innovative methodologies. Such collaborations not only catalyze targeted funding opportunities and technology transfers but also streamline pathways for interdisciplinary initiatives that address pressing agricultural challenges. This integrative approach enhances overall research impact while opening new channels for professional growth and sustainable advancements in the field.

What Are the Emerging Career and Financial Opportunities in Plant and Agronomy Research?

The evolving landscape in plant and agronomy research offers diverse career paths that integrate academic innovation with market-driven applications. Emerging roles now focus on technology-enhanced sustainable agriculture, biotechnological advancements, and strategic interdisciplinary collaborations. Professionals are encouraged to expand their expertise through targeted training and continued education, which in turn can lead to competitive remuneration and increased job security—paralleling trends observed in related sectors such as the highest paid medical jobs with bachelor's degree. Strategic networking and research funding are also key drivers for maximizing long-term career growth in this dynamic field.

How Can Seniors Benefit from Online Higher Education in Plant and Agronomy Research?

Advanced online programs offer mature learners a pathway to integrate extensive professional experience with contemporary research techniques in plant and agronomy sciences. Through flexible curricula and targeted coursework, seniors can develop specialized competencies in sustainable methodologies and data-driven agricultural innovations. Many institutions now feature courses specifically designed to accommodate seasoned professionals, enabling them to apply practical insights while staying updated with cutting-edge advancements. For detailed options and program structures, consider exploring online degrees for seniors over 60.

D-index ranking-leaders, averages, and distribution

For North America, Professor Rattan Lal, from the Ohio State University is the top scientist. Professor Lal also ranks first in our 2023 report and has an H-index of 168.

For Europe, Professor Mark Stitt from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Germany is ranked first in the region. He is second in the overall ranking with a D-index of 151.

For Oceania, Professor Graham D. Farquhar from the Australian National University leads other scientists in the region. Professor Farquhar ranks fifth in our report and has a D-index of 131.

Meanwhile, in Asia, Professor Fusuo Zhang from the China Agricultural University leads other scientists in the region. Professor Zhang is the eighth scientist in our 2023 report with a D-index of 127.

Professor J. Van Staden who is affiliated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is the first in Africa with a world ranking of 43. Professor Van Staden has a D-index of 101.

For the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, Professor Mark Tester leads other top scientists. Professor Tester is affiliated with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and ranks 92nd in our report with a D-index of 88.

Professor Klaus Winter from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama is the highest-ranking scientist from Latin America. Professor Winter ranks 117th in our report and has a D-index of 86.

The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 136.2 against an average of 66.51 for all 1,000 scientists included in the ranking.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 637.6 against an average of 226.73 for all 1,000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 72, 882.4 against an average of 17, 559.51 for all 1,000 scholars.

You can learn more about the methodology used to create the ranking here.

About Research.com

All research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., a computer scientist with a well-established record of collaboration on a number of international research projects with different partners from the academic community. His role was to make sure all data remained unbiased, accurate, and up-to-date.

Research.com is the number one research portal for science and educational rankings. Our mission is to make it easier for professors, research fellows, and students to progress with their research and find the top experts in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Research.com is also a leading educational platform that helps students find the best colleges, academic opportunities, and career paths.