Plant science and geology experts feature in list of world’s most influential researchers

The University of Adelaide’s ability to attract talent to South Australia and nurture world-leading researchers has been further confirmed by the latest list of the world’s most influential researchers.

Experts in plant science and geology are among researchers from across the University that have all been named among the world’s Highly Cited Researchers  2020 from the Web of Science Group.

The University of Adelaide has jumped from 8th to 5th in Australia in terms of the number of researchers listed across 17 fields on the Highly Cited list.

Regarded as the world’s most influential researchers, the annual list names scientists and social scientists who produced multiple papers ranking in the top 1% of citations in 21 broad research fields. It is a measure of the number of times their research is referenced by other researchers – demonstrating significant research impact globally.

“Our researchers have been acknowledged as among the world’s best, cementing Adelaide as a national and international hub for talent that is central to advancing our society and securing our future,” says Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Adelaide.

“What is particularly pleasing is that many of these research areas are critical to industry, including Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science and Plant and Animal Science. These underpin significant sectors of strategic importance to our state and our nation, including food security, new energy technologies, artificial intelligence, and environmental remediation.

“The University of Adelaide has taken its responsibility for fostering such talent seriously. Over the past year we’ve been investing in new people through our Top Talent program in other areas critical to our state, including defence and international security, critical minerals and medicine – with more to come. This is part of our strategic plan to be a magnet for talent. We aim to recruit, nurture and sustain the best minds so we continue to deliver excellence for South Australia,” Professor Middelberg says.

“Congratulations to our highly talented researchers for receiving such global recognition for their work.”

Among those on the list is Professor Matthew Gilliham, Director of the Waite Research Institute, the University’s flagship for agriculture, wine and food research and innovation. Professor Gilliham’s research into crop plant nutrition and stress resilience places him among the best in the world in the Plant and Animal Science field.

The University of Adelaide’s Highly Cited Researchers 2020:

• Professor Matthew Gilliham, Waite Research Institute and School of Agriculture, Food and Wine – Plant and Animal Science;
• Professor M. Santosh, School of Physical Sciences – Geosciences
• Professor Emeritus Stephen Tyerman, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine – Plant and Animal Science

Other Highly Cited Researchers 2020 jointly appointed to the University of Adelaide:

• Professor Dabing Zhang, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine (with Shanghai Jiao Tong University) – Plant and Animal Science.