World Online Ranking of Best Social & Humanities Scientists – 2023 Report

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On May 26, 2023, Research.com released the 2nd edition of its annual ranking of bet scientists in the area of social sciences and humanities. This report on the leading scholars offers the academic community more visibility and exposure to the influential research contributions made by those at the forefront of humanities and social sciences.

What is more, we hope this report will inspire researchers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs around the world to find out where leading experts are heading. It is a great opportunity for all of us to learn who are the leading experts in different research areas, in different countries, and within different universities and research institutions.

For the 2023 edition of the ranking, more than 6,200 scientist profiles on Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph have been examined, with several indicators and metrics reviewed to consider each scientist’s inclusion in the ranking.

The D-index threshold for approving a scholar to be considered was set to 30 if most of their publications were in the field of humanities or social science. The inclusion criteria for scholars to be considered for the ranking of top scientists are based on the discipline h-index, the proportion of contributions made within the given discipline, and the awards and achievements of the scientists.

Latest Discoveries in Social Science and Humanities Research

Social science and humanities research covers many sectors, including politics, economics, and philosophy. From studies on how mental health memes affect coping processes to the politics of autonomous vehicles, research in humanities and social sciences covers various topics.

Among the most significant research in these disciplines include the models to predict intentions to vaccinate for COVID-19, which identified socio-demographic, health-related, and personal beliefs as the factors that positively affected intentions. These predictive variables can be used by public health policymakers and benefit the worldwide campaign on this particular health concern.

Another groundbreaking research in this field is related to environmental justice, which placed global migration at the heart of environmental history. By bridging two different fields in new ways, it has set a new research agenda for social sciences and humanities on renewable energy research. It is expected that this will enrich dialogues between policymakers, funding institutions, and researchers toward future research on renewable energy sources.

The key findings for the 2nd edition of best social & humanities scientists ranking

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list, with 502 scholars included in 2023, which represent 50.2% of the whole scientists ranking.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are the United Kingdom (184 scientists or 18.4%), Australia (72 scientists or 7.2%), Canada (58 scientists or 5.8%), the Netherlands (35 scientists or 3.5%), and Germany (29 scientists or 2.9%).
• 7 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
• In the 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University was the leader, with 34 scientists affiliated with the institution included in the ranking.
• The top-ranking scientist in humanities and social science is Herbert A. Simon from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States with a D-index of 169.
• American universities constitute 70% of the 10 top leading institutions, with the other two being institutions based in the United Kingdom and one in Canada.
• The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 139 against an average of 71 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2023 list of top humanities & social scientists can be found here:

TOP HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading humanities & social scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list, with 502 scholars included in 2023, representing 50.2% of the whole ranking. 7 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the U.S. as well.

The U.K. ranks second with 184 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Australia, which currently has 72 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Canada with 58 scientists, the Netherlands with 35 scientists, Germany with 29 scientists, South Africa with 12 scientists, and France with 10 scholars.

From having 497 scientists in 2022, the U.S. gained five more scientists in 2023. From a total of 193 scholars in 2022, ranked scientists from the U.K. decreased to 184 in 2023. While there was not a change in the total number of scholars for both Australia (72) and Canada (58), the Netherlands gained four more scientists, with a total of 39 in the 2023 ranking.

China reached the 10th spot in the top 10 countries in 2023 with eight scientists, replacing Sweden.

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

In the 2023 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the leader, with 34 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, with 19 scientists, and the third place is occupied by the University of Oxford, with 17 scholars.

American universities and institutions constitute 70% of the top 10 leading institutions, with the other three representing the U.K. (University of Oxford and University College London) and Canada (University of Toronto).

Three out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based outside the U.S., while the other three are based in the U.K. (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), France (Collège de France), and Germany (Goethe University Frankfurt).

From having 31 ranked scientists in 2022, Harvard University, the leading institution in the top 10 list, gained three more scientists in 2023. However, the total number of ranked scientists from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor decreased from 21 in 2022 to 19 in the current ranking. The University of Oxford, formerly in the 5th spot in 2022, climbed to the 3rd spot in 2023 with 17 ranked scientists.

Advancing Collaborative Research Through Online Universities

The proliferation of online universities offering social sciences and humanities degree programs, such as degrees in political science, online degrees in economics, or online degrees in philosophy, has further expanded how research is being conducted in these fields. Universities offering online degree programs have paved the way for deeper collaboration among research institutions. In Australia, for example, the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Center (SSSHARC) facilitates international and multidisciplinary collaborations. Through innovative platforms and collaborative approaches involving online social sciences and humanities degree programs, the SSSHARC supports a diverse range of research initiatives.

Online universities with degrees in social sciences and humanities create a platform for current and future researchers and scholars to be involved in innovative research that impacts advancing various disciplines. These programs also prepare them for humanities and social sciences careers. At Northeastern University, research is considered particularly valuable to experiential learning. Online humanities and social science degree students collaborate with researchers from other universities by being part of fellowships and grants. Both undergraduate and graduate research opportunities are provided to students enrolled in online degree programs.

What Role Do 1 Year Associate Degree Programs Online Play in Enhancing Research Readiness?

Emerging researchers benefit from intensive academic pathways that accelerate the development of foundational skills crucial for advancing research. These streamlined programs are designed to deliver targeted analytical and methodological training, enabling participants to transition quickly into collaborative projects and innovative study designs in the social sciences and humanities. For further details on similar initiatives, consider exploring 1 year associate degree programs online.

How Can Online Doctoral Programs Accelerate Research Careers?

Advanced online doctoral programs are emerging as a pivotal option for seasoned researchers seeking leadership roles and a strategic edge in research innovation. These programs leverage flexible digital platforms to streamline advanced scholarly training while promoting interdisciplinary methodologies. Applicants benefit from rigorously designed curricula that integrate contemporary theoretical frameworks with practical research applications. Furthermore, programs such as the fastest doctoral programs are tailored to reduce time-to-degree without compromising academic integrity, thereby fostering faster contributions to cutting-edge research and impactful academic discourse.

How Does the Length of Online Doctoral Programs Impact Research Career Advancement?

Online doctoral programs with reduced durations offer an accelerated path to advanced research competence while maintaining academic rigor. By opting for streamlined curricula that emphasize critical methodologies and contemporary theories, researchers can transition more quickly into leadership roles, integrating cutting-edge practices with minimal delay. Options such as the shortest doctorate degrees not only promote earlier entry into the competitive research landscape but also improve responsiveness to emerging challenges and interdisciplinary trends. This approach supports efficient networking, rapid mentorship engagement, and timely contributions to scholarly advancements without compromising the quality of research insights.

How Can Accelerated Online Credentials Propel Early Research Careers?

Accelerated online credentials, such as a associate degree in 6 months online accredited, offer a streamlined pathway for professionals eager to transition into research roles within the humanities and social sciences. These programs deliver essential skills and foundational knowledge in a condensed format, enabling quick entry into research-focused careers without compromising academic rigor.

By integrating modern curricula with practical, project-based learning, accelerated programs prepare early-stage researchers to effectively contribute to interdisciplinary studies. This approach not only shortens the time-to-career but also fosters agility in adapting to evolving research demands and technological advancements, thereby enhancing collaborative opportunities across global platforms.

How Do Specialized Online Degree Programs Enhance Research Collaborations in Social Sciences and Humanities?

Specialized online degree programs offer a dynamic solution to bridge the gap between traditional academic research and modern technological advances. They enable scholars worldwide to engage in collaborative projects without the constraints of physical location, thereby enriching research networks and advancing interdisciplinary studies. Programs designed with practical components—such as the online PsyD program—equip professionals with applied skills that complement their theoretical expertise, fostering innovative approaches to complex societal challenges. This integration of advanced online education into the research ecosystem not only accelerates the dissemination of new ideas but also supports the continuous evolution of methodologies in social sciences and humanities.

What Advantages Do Online Master’s Degree Programs Offer for Advanced Research?

Online master’s degree programs empower researchers with specialized analytical and methodological training that supports more complex and interdisciplinary projects. By leveraging flexible learning environments and modern research tools, these programs contribute to higher quality studies and innovative approaches to emerging research challenges. They also facilitate cross-institutional collaborations and global networking without geographic limitations, enabling participants to integrate advanced theories and practical applications into their work. For more detailed information on structured graduate learning designed to enhance research capabilities, see masters degree.

How Do Accreditation Standards Bolster the Credibility of Online Research Education?

Rigorous accreditation processes validate that online programs adhere to high academic standards, ensuring robust research methodologies and ethical practices. Independent evaluations and periodic external reviews confirm that curriculum design, faculty expertise, and scholarly outputs meet established benchmarks. Enhanced transparency and accountability foster trust among prospective researchers and institutional partners, which is critical for integrating online education with traditional research environments. Institutions such as online military friendly colleges exemplify adherence to these standards, thereby reinforcing the credibility and long-term impact of online research education.

D-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For North America, Professor Herbert A. Simon from Carnegie Mellon University, United States, is ranked first in the top 1000 list, with a D-index of 169. He is also the top scientist in the region.

For Europe, Professor Martin McKee from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is on top of the list with a D-index of 160. He is also ranked 2nd in the world ranking.

Professor Jordan J. Louviere from the University of South Australia ranks first in Oceania and is ranked 24th in the top 1000 list. His D-index is 105.

Professor Carlos Augusto Monteiro from Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 87.

For South Africa, Professor Rachel Jewkes of the South African Medical Research Council tops the ranking in the region and also holds the 96th spot in the world ranking.

For Asia, Professor Jiska Cohen-Mansfield from Tel Aviv University is the highest-ranking scientist in the region, with a world ranking of 169.

The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 139 against an average of 71 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The scholar with the lowest index value who made it to the ranking in 2023 has an D-index of 58.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 620, against an average of 286 for all 1000 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.