Rising Stars of Science World Ranking 2023 (2nd edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On November 24, 2023, Research.com rolled out its 2023 edition of the annual world ranking of the rising stars of science. The report sees a diverse group of younger scientists from all across the globe contributing significantly to the literature of their respective fields. Like many of their older peers, these individuals have produced many world-changing solutions and groundbreaking discoveries that have impacted the scientific realm, enriching the successive research of scientists worldwide with their findings.

As seen in our 2022 world ranking, no region holds a monopoly on these young scientists. The individuals in the top 10 come from three continents, with Asia contributing the most significant representation. Meanwhile, the fields of study engaged by the “rising stars" are varied, from biology and chemistry to medicine and mechanical engineering. This shows that age, location, and preferred discipline are not deterrents to making a considerable impact in the global scientific community.

For the 2023 report, our research team assessed over 166,880 scientist profiles. It subjected their body of work to several key metrics, including H-indexes, citations, awards, the share of contributions within a given discipline, and other relevant achievements.

The H-index threshold for consideration was adjusted accordingly per discipline, amounting to 30 or 40 in many cases. This ranking only considers scientists who published their first paper less than 13 years ago. Moreover, the country associated with each scientist is based on the nation representing their affiliated institution, not their nationality.

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What Role Does Accelerated Education Play in Scientific Achievement?

A robust academic foundation can be a catalyst for early scientific success. Innovative educational models, including accelerated degree programs, enable aspiring researchers to acquire essential skills in a condensed timeframe. Such programs optimize learning efficiency and provide focused training that complements intensive research activities. For instance, exploring options like the quickest associates degree can offer a streamlined pathway into academia and research. This commitment to accelerated learning not only minimizes educational delays but also equips future scientists with a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The key findings from the rising stars of science ranking

• The highest-ranking rising star in 2023 is Mohsen Sheikholeslami from Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Iran, with an H-index of 132.
• China has the most rising stars in science in 2023 with 353, followed by the United States with 171 and Iran with 51.
• Among the top 20 rising stars, 10 are from China, while the United States, Iran, and Singapore have two each.
• Among the top 20 rising stars, 15 are from Asia, three are from North America, one is from Europe, and one is from Oceania.
• The Chinese Academy of Sciences produced the most scholars in the top 1,000 rising stars, with 24, followed by Hunan University and Tsinghua University, with 12 each.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of the rising stars is 91.7, against an average of 43.32 for the leading 1,000 scholars.
• The average number of citations for the top 1% of the rising stars is 39,354.9, against an average of 9,256.36 for the top 1,000 scholars.
• The average number of publications for the top 1% of the rising stars is 339.1, against an average of 137.47 for the top 1,000 scholars.
• The rising star with the most citations is Professor Xiangyu Zhang from Megvii, China. He has 146,254 citations.
• The rising star with the most publications is Professor Simplice A. Asongu from the African Governance and Development Institute, Cameroon. He has 1,190 citations.

The full ranking for the 2022 list of the world's rising stars of science can be found here:

RISING STARS OF SCIENCE RANKING

Countries with the highest number of scientific rising stars

Similar to the previous year, China has the largest representation in the top 1,000 in the 2023 rankings. The Asian nation has 353 scientists on the list, accounting for 35.3% of the top 1,000 young scientists and representing a slight increase over the 2022 total of 344. In addition, five scientists in the top 10 are from China, the only country to appear more than once in the top 10. This emphasizes the dedication to research that Chinese institutions and scholars have shown.

Following China is the United States with 171, which accounts for 17.1% of the top 1,000. Only one US scientist made it to the top 10, but five are included in the top 20. Despite experiencing a steep decline from 2022's total of 209, the country continues to be a powerhouse in the scientific community and in the development of young scholars.

Iran is in third with 51 scientists, slightly increasing from the previous year's total of 44. The world's top-ranked young scientist is from Iran, and three Iranian scientists are in the top 20. Should the country continue its momentum, it can take up an even larger share of the top 1,000 young scientists in succeeding editions of this ranking.

Rounding up the top 10 countries with the highest share of young scientists in the top 1,000 are Australia (48), the United Kingdom (40), India (36), Germany (27), Singapore (26), Canada (19), and Italy (18).

Most of the young scientists in the ranking are affiliated with Asian institutions, which suggests a promising future for the continent's science community as it continues to chart new frontiers and deepen existing literature.

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Accelerated online doctoral programs provide a swift and rigorous pathway for emerging researchers to acquire advanced qualifications and immerse themselves in high-level research initiatives. These programs facilitate early engagement with innovative methodologies and state-of-the-art resources, consequently accelerating the transition from academic learning to practical impact. Many professionals leverage the flexibility of these programs to balance career and personal commitments while still attaining significant academic credentials. Enrolling in the shortest online PhD programs can empower aspiring scientists to rapidly contribute to novel discoveries and enhance their competitive edge in the research community.

Can Associate Degrees Provide a Solid Foundation for a Research Career?

Non-traditional academic pathways, such as associate degree programs, offer a cost-effective avenue to develop focused technical skills that are highly valued in research settings. They equip aspiring scientists with industry-relevant competencies that can expedite entry into specialized technical roles, thereby complementing later advanced studies without the prolonged commitment of traditional programs. Such credentials not only foster immediate practical application but also enhance career agility in dynamic fields. For instance, emerging professionals exploring highest-paying associate degrees can leverage these programs as a strategic stepping stone toward long-term research excellence.

Institutions with the highest number of scientific rising stars

The 2023 ranking highlights the dominance of Asian institutions in developing young scholars. Seven out of the top 10 and 15 out of the top 20 institutions in regard to the number of scientific rising stars are based in Asia. North America has three institutions in the top 20, while Oceania and Europe have one each.

The institution with the highest number of scientific rising stars is the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), with 24, slightly lower than the institution's 25 in the 2022 ranking. Coming in second and third are Hunan University and Tsinghua University, with 12 each. Tied with 10 scholars are Zhejiang University, the University of Technology Sydney, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Nanyang Technological University, and Google (United States) to occupy the fourth to eighth spots in the ranking.

Chinese-based schools and organizations account for 50% of the top 20 institutions with the highest number of ranked young scholars, followed by Iran, Singapore, and the United States with two institutions each. Meanwhile, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Australia each have one in the top 20.

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Supplementary certifications complement traditional academic credentials by offering exposure to niche methodologies and emerging technologies. These targeted programs not only enhance technical expertise but also foster networking and collaborative opportunities vital for sustained research excellence. Integrating such certifications into one’s professional development can accelerate career advancement, improve competitiveness in funding applications, and enable scientists to bridge gaps between academic research and practical innovation. For more details, explore online graduate certificate programs.

How Do Graduate Programs Influence the Career Trajectory of Rising Stars?

Advanced graduate education plays a pivotal role in equipping emerging researchers with specialized expertise and methodological rigor. Focused academic programs foster critical analytical skills through structured research, advanced coursework, and collaboration with established experts. By pursuing tailored educational pathways, including different types of masters degrees, rising stars gain access to cutting-edge facilities and thought leadership that directly enhance research quality and innovation. This strategic educational investment contributes to long-term academic resilience, enabling scientists to tackle complex challenges and sustain impactful research careers.

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Military-friendly online institutions offer flexible scheduling and tailored curricula that accommodate diverse commitments while providing access to advanced digital resources. These programs enable emerging researchers to maintain high research productivity and cultivate innovative methodologies through adaptive teaching and specialized mentorship. Their supportive environment bridges academic endeavors with practical career advancements, thereby driving long-term success in scientific fields. For more information, explore our article on top military friendly colleges.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

World Ranking Leaders

A shakeup can be seen in the 2023 top-rising stars of science leaderboard in relation to the 2022 ranking. While some maintained their place in the top 20, there are scientists whose H-index rankings rose significantly in a year to enter the leaderboard and those who debuted in the top 10.

Reclaiming the top spot in the world ranking for 2023 is Professor Mohsen Sheikholeslami from the Babol Noshirvani University of Technology. He increased his H-index from 126 in 2022 to 132 and amassed a total of 45,323 citations and 493 publications. Professor Sheikholeslami is ranked first in Asia and Iran.

Climbing to the second spot in the world ranking is Professor Bach Xuan Tran from Hanoi Medical University, who placed third in the 2022 ranking. He holds an H-index of 93 and has garnered 124,680 citations and 377 publications. Professor Train is ranked second in Asia and first in Vietnam.

Sliding to the third spot in the world ranking is Professor Matthew D. Hellmann from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who previously held the second spot. He has an H-index of 91 and has accumulated 57,924 citations and 343 publications. Professor Hellman is ranked first in North America and the United States.

Coming in fourth is Professor Daqin Chen from Fujian Normal University, who ascended 31 places from his 2022 ranking. He has an H-index of 90, a significant increase from his 73 in 2022, has earned 22,597 citations, and has completed 307 publications. Professor Chen is ranked third in Asia and first in China.

At the fifth spot is Professor Muhammad Ijaz Khan from Riphah International University, a new entry to the ranking. He has an H-index of 88, has collected 19,656 citations, and has accomplished 473 publications. Professor Khan is ranked fourth in Asia and first in Pakistan.

Continental Leaders

For Asia, Professor Mohsen Sheikholeslami from the Babol Noshirvani University of Technology is ranked first with an H-index of 132. He sits in the top spot of the world ranking.

For North America, Professor Matthew D. Hellmann from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is listed first with an H-index of 91. He is third in the world ranking.

Leading Europe is Professor Giovanni Benelli from the University of Pisa in Italy, with an H-index of 84. He is eighth in the world ranking.

Oceania is led by Professor Xiaoguang Duan from the University of Adelaide, Australia, who has an H-index of 76. He holds the 22nd spot in the world ranking.

The rising star holding the top spot for Africa is Professor Abdon Atangana from the University of the Free State in South Africa, with an H-index of 67. He is 52nd in the world ranking.

For South America, the rising star ranked first is Professor Felipe Barreto Schuch from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Brazil, with an H-index of 49. A new entry in the 2023 ranking, he is ranked 227th in the world.

Averages and Distribution

In the 2023 world ranking, the top 1% of the ranked young scientists have an average H-index of 91.7, representing a 1.3-point decrease year-over-year. This is more than double the average H-index of the top 1,000, which is 43.32. In terms of H-index distribution, only one scientist has an index in the 130-139 range, three are in the 90-99 range, 12 are within the 80-89 bracket, and the rest of the rising stars garnered an H-index below 80.

As far as citations are concerned, the average of the top 1% is 39,354.9, while the average of the top 1,000 scholars is 9,256.36. The scholar with the most citations in the 2023 world rankings is Professor Xiangyu Zhang from Megvii, China, with 146,254, followed by Professor Bach Zuan Tran (124,680) and Professor Amir Kasaeian (120,990).

Regarding publications, the average of the top 1% is 339.1 against an average of 137.47 for the top 1,000 rising stars. The scholar with the most publications is Professor Simplice A. Asongu from the African Governance and Development Institute, Cameroon, with 1,190, followed by Professor Yu-Ming Chu with 663, and Professor Kottakkaran Sooppy Nisar with 634.

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.