Ranking of the Best Scientists in the World in 2022 (1st Edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

On October 28, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking of the best scientists in the world. This list of the world's leading scholars is designed to offer the academic community more visibility and exposure to the influential research contributions made by those at the forefront of science.

What is more, we hope it 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, as well as within different universities and research institutions.

For the 2022 edition of the ranking, more than 166,880 scientist profiles on Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph have been examined with several indicators and metrics reviewed in order to consider each scientist’s inclusion in the ranking.

The h-index threshold for approving a scholar to be considered was set differently for each scientific discipline but was in most cases equal to 30 or 40. The inclusion criteria for scholars to be considered for the ranking of top scientists are based on their h-index, the proportion of contributions made within the given discipline, and the awards and achievements of the scientists.

What are the career and research opportunities arising from these rankings?

These rankings offer strategic insights that can guide academic and industry decision-making. They help researchers identify key institutions and geographical areas that are focal points for innovation and high-impact research. Institutions can leverage this information to refine their recruitment strategies and enhance collaborative networks, while funding bodies may use the data to target investments that drive scientific breakthroughs. For individuals considering further academic growth or a career pivot into research-intensive roles, these rankings can inform choices about the most promising fields and supportive environments. Additionally, professionals looking to advance their education can explore the best online degree programs for working adults as a pathway to acquire competitive skills aligned with emerging research trends.

How can advanced degrees boost scientific careers?

Advanced degrees provide a competitive advantage by equipping researchers with refined analytical skills, exposure to innovative methodologies, and an expanded professional network. These factors not only enhance individual research output but can also improve visibility to funding bodies and top-tier institutions. For scientists aiming to streamline their academic progression while maximizing career impact, pursuing efficient educational routes—such as the shortest masters degree—offers a practical strategy to acquire advanced qualifications without unnecessary delays.

How Can Scientific Rankings Shape Your Future Academic and Career Decisions?

Scientific ranking data not only highlight current research excellence but also reveal emerging trends that can influence strategic academic and career planning. By analyzing these metrics, stakeholders can identify high-potential fields, recognize institutions with robust research environments, and pinpoint countries leading in innovation. This information can guide prospective students in selecting academic programs and inform professionals about future collaboration and funding opportunities. For those evaluating educational pathways with a focus on efficiency and industry relevance, exploring what is the easiest degree to get may offer a practical entry point into rapidly evolving research domains.

The key findings from the world's best scientists ranking

• The best scientist in the world is Walter C. Willett from Harvard University with an h-index of 389.
• 9 out of 10 best scientists on the list work in the United States.
• Scientists working in the United States dominate the list with 617 scholars included in 2022 which represents 61.7% of the whole best scientists ranking.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are the UK (95 scientists or 9.5%), and Germany (39 scientists or 3.9%).
• In the 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the leader, with 78 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
• The highest cited scientist is Eric S. Lander from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, United States with 792,604 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 327 against an average of 183 for the top 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2022 list of the world's best scientists can be found here:

WORLD'S BEST SCIENTISTS RANKING

How Can Short Careers Impact Early Scientific Achievement?

Emerging researchers are increasingly leveraging nontraditional educational pathways to acquire essential skills rapidly. By opting for streamlined programs that focus on immediate applicability, they can quickly bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs. For instance, individuals pursuing short careers benefit from targeted curricula designed to deliver practical expertise in a condensed timeframe. These focused tracks allow early-career scientists to integrate theoretical knowledge with applied practice, facilitating timely contributions to high-impact projects and accelerating overall professional growth.

Countries with the highest number of leading scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 617 scholars included in 2022 which represents 61.7% of the whole ranking. 9 out of 10 best scientists on our list are working in the United States.

The United Kingdom ranks second with 95 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 39 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Australia with 30 scientists, France with 23 scientists, Canada with 23 scientists, China with 19 scientists, and Japan and Italy with 16 scholars.

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 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the unquestionable leader, with 78 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the US National Institutes of Health with 22 scientists, and third place is occupied by MIT with 21 scholars.

American universities and institutions constitute 80% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other two universities representing the United Kingdom (Cambridge and Oxford).

9 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the best scientists list are based in the USA. The only institution from the top 10 based outside the US is the French Sorbonne University (a scientist from that institution ranks on spot 10).

What are the limitations of these rankings?

While the ranking provides valuable insights into global research impact, it is important to recognize certain methodological limitations. Discipline-specific citation practices and career stage variations can affect the h-index and other related metrics, potentially underrepresenting contributions in emerging or interdisciplinary fields. Additionally, differences in data sourcing and indexing practices may introduce inherent biases, which stakeholders should consider when interpreting the results. Prospective students and professionals evaluating educational pathways may find additional guidance through tools such as the online military college resource.

How Can These Rankings Influence the Choice of Advanced Degree Programs?

Ranking data provides actionable insights for prospective students by identifying institutions and programs that excel in research leadership and academic innovation. Evaluating factors such as faculty h-index, citation distributions, and institutional output allows candidates to align their professional goals with programs that foster high-impact research. This analytical perspective informs decision-making when comparing advanced degree paths, ensuring that individuals select environments known for strong scholarly support and industry connections. Additionally, for professionals seeking flexible alternatives that accelerate their academic progression, programs like online PhD criminal justice no dissertation offer targeted pathways without the conventional dissertation requirement.

How Do Scientific Rankings Correlate with Career Earning Potential?

Scientific rankings can influence salary trajectories by highlighting institutions and research environments that align with higher financial returns. Employers may associate high-ranking scholars with superior competencies and leadership potential, factors that can contribute to more competitive compensation packages. For prospective students evaluating educational investments, these metrics can offer an indirect measure of income potential when choosing programs known for producing industry-ready professionals. In this context, it is also useful to consider alternative educational pathways such as the highest paying 2 year degree for those seeking a more accelerated entry into the workforce, enhancing both career advancement opportunities and financial outcomes.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For North America, Professor Walter C. Willett from Harvard University is on top of the list with a world ranking of no. 1 as well. His h-index is 389.

Professor Guido Kroemer from Sorbonne University, France leads the top list in Europe with a world ranking of 10 as well. His h-index is 300.

For Asia, Professor Shizuo Akira from Osaka University, Japan is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 293. He's also listed as no. 13 in the world ranking.

For Oceania, Professor Nicholas G. Martin from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region. He's also listed as no. 116 in the world ranking.

Professor Matt J. Jarvis from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa ranks as the first scientist in Africa, with a world ranking of 319.

Professor Maria-Teresa Dova from the National University of La Plata, Argentina is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 578.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 327 against an average of 183 for the top 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The scholar with the lowest index value who made it to the ranking in 2022 has an H-index of 155.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 1829 against an average of 1051 for the top 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 475,130 against an average of 164,923 for the top 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Eric S. Lander from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, United States with 792,604 citations.

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.