World Online Ranking of Best Chemistry Scientists – 2023 Report

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

On April 25, 2023, Research.com published its report on the best scientists in chemistry. This report ranks researchers and academics who are significantly contributing to the advancements in this discipline. By publishing this report, we aim to increase the visibility of leading chemistry scientists and support researchers in this field.

Moreover, the ranking aims to motivate researchers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs worldwide to discover where the leading experts focus their research. It provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn about the top experts in different research areas, countries, universities, and research institutions.

To determine the scientist ranking for the 2023 edition, our research team looked at more than 15,500 scientist profiles on Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph. We evaluated scientists based on D-index, number of publications, awards, and achievements, to name a few. Scientists were considered for inclusion in the ranking if their D-index was at least 40 and most of their publications were in the field of chemistry.

Latest discoveries in chemistry research

The discoveries of scientists in chemistry can change major industries and everyday people's lives. For instance, activities in dolphin research have led to the development of a new method to control the growth of ammonium urate crystals that cause kidney stones in dolphins. This research has implications for human treatments, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, as there are 33 drugs, including allopurinol, used to treat kidney stones, that contain tautomers, which may impact their effectiveness. The findings of the study could help to develop more effective treatments for kidney stones and other medical conditions.

Moreover, in 2022, scientists Morten Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their development of “click chemistry." Click chemistry refers to a set of highly selective and efficient chemical reactions used to quickly and reliably link together molecular building blocks. These reactions are characterized by their ease of use, high yields, and ability to tolerate a wide range of reaction conditions, making them widely used in many areas of chemistry, including drug discovery, materials science, and polymer chemistry. The development of click chemistry has revolutionized the field of chemistry and has enabled the rapid synthesis of complex molecules and materials with a high degree of control and precision.

What is the impact of interdisciplinary online advanced degree programs on chemistry research?

Advanced interdisciplinary online programs offer chemistry researchers access to broader theoretical frameworks and practical competencies that deepen their analytical expertise. Such programs, including offerings at an online pharmacy school, enable collaboration among experts in chemistry, pharmacology, and materials science. These cross-disciplinary networks encourage innovative experimental designs and expedite the translation of laboratory findings into industrial and clinical applications. Furthermore, integrated curricula and remote learning platforms provide up-to-date resources and flexible mentorship opportunities, ultimately strengthening the research ecosystem and fostering sustainable scientific breakthroughs.

How can online professional certifications boost chemistry research outcomes?

Advanced professional training programs augment the skill sets of researchers by offering targeted modules that address emerging challenges in chemical innovation. These certifications not only bridge the gap between academic research and industry demands but also foster interdisciplinary collaborations that accelerate problem-solving in complex projects. In particular, strategically selected online credentials can streamline access to contemporary methodologies and digital tools, optimizing experimental designs and data analysis. Researchers can enhance their competitive edge and drive breakthrough discoveries by integrating easy certifications to get online into their professional development trajectories.

The Key findings for the 2nd edition of the best chemistry scientists ranking

• The ranking for 2023 is dominated by scientists affiliated with institutions in the United States. A total of 431 scientists come from the U.S., which represents 43.1% of the entire report.
• The other leading countries in our top 5 rankings are China (117), Germany (86), the United Kingdom (51), and Japan (51).
• 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States. Other countries represented in the top 10 are Switzerland, Denmark, and Germany.
• Michael Gratzel from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, is the top scientist in 2023. Professor Gratzel has a D-index of 277.
• The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leading institution when it comes to the number of top chemists. The institution has 30 scientists affiliated with it.
• The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 209.6 against an average of 113.23 for all scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2023 list of the best chemistry scientists can be found here:

BEST CHEMISTRY SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading chemistry scientists

The United States has the most number of leading scientists in chemistry, with a total of 431. It was also the top country in our previous report.

In second place is China. In this year's report, there are 117 scientists affiliated with Chinese research institutions and universities, down from 129 scientists in 2022.

The third, fourth, and fifth countries are Germany, U.K. and Japan (tie, the United Kingdom catching up with Japan this year), and Australia. These countries have 86, 51, and 28 scientists, respectively.

The other leading countries are the Netherlands (24), Canada (22), Italy (21), and South Korea (18), the last bumping off Switzerland from the top 10 in 2023.

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

How do affordable online programs contribute to advanced chemistry research?

Cost-effective online education platforms offer working professionals a strategic advantage by providing flexible learning schedules and access to innovative research tools. These programs enable scientists to integrate advanced analytical techniques and contemporary methodologies into their projects while managing career responsibilities. Moreover, they foster collaboration with global experts and provide specialized modules that address emerging challenges in chemistry research. Such initiatives empower researchers to accelerate experimental design and data analysis, ultimately leading to high-impact scientific outcomes. For further details on accessible educational opportunities, consider exploring the best colleges for working adults.

How do accelerated PhD programs impact research outcomes in chemistry?

Online accelerated doctoral programs compress extensive research training into focused, time-efficient modules, enabling scientists to integrate new methodologies and technologies more rapidly. Such programs foster an environment that encourages early, hands-on engagement with innovative experimental designs and collaborative research projects, thus shortening the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. They also offer structured yet flexible learning paths that support swift adaptation to emerging industry trends without compromising academic rigor. For more details on available opportunities, consider exploring accelerated PhD programs.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

The institution with the most number of scientists in chemistry in our 2023 report is the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The national research institute has 30 scientists included in our ranking.

The University of California, Berkeley takes second place with 29 scientists, closing the gap between itself and the Chinese Academy of Sciences by three scientists compared to last year. It is followed by Stanford University with 19 scientists in 2023, four scientists short vs. in 2022.

Fourth place in the ranking goes to two institutions with 16 scientists each—Max Planck Society and Northwestern University. Max Planck Society is Germany's premier non-university research organization, while Northwestern University is a leading private research and teaching university in the U.S.

Other leading universities in the list are Harvard University (14 scientists), California Institute of Technology (14), The University of Texas at Austin (13), MIT (12), and the University of Tokyo (12).

Strengthening research in online universities

Chemistry is one of the largest fields of research in the U.S., and to write a good research paper on topics in chemistry, access to online resources is a must. This is where online universities and their platforms can help.

With data, journals, and academic research delivered online, students and researchers can find references faster, use their time in analyzing instead of collecting data, and efficiently share their findings with other scientists or collaborators. Using online collaboration tools and virtual platforms with VR and AR capabilities enables researchers to work together on research projects, regardless of their location.

Additionally, online universities can also offer virtual research support services like writing centers, tutoring, and academic advising. These extra services help students and faculty to improve their research skills and develop their proposals. It also opens doors to easy data access for researchers who might be in geographical locations that do not currently have a wide range of academic references.

How do online certificate programs enhance research proficiency in chemistry?

In today’s competitive research environment, targeted online certificate programs offer a streamlined path to mastering new techniques and technologies. These programs enable scientists to quickly acquire specialized skills, optimize data analysis procedures, and incorporate emerging methodologies into experimental design. By focusing on practical application and digital innovation, researchers can better align their work with industry trends while expanding collaborative opportunities. For dedicated professionals seeking to elevate their research capabilities, integrating knowledge from the best online certificate programs can serve as a vital step toward fostering breakthrough discoveries.

What career opportunities and financial rewards are available for emerging chemistry researchers?

Chemistry research opens pathways in pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental analysis, and chemical engineering that extend beyond academia. These roles offer competitive remuneration driven by innovation and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Emerging scientists often enhance their global marketability by acquiring specialized certifications and leveraging strategic educational investments, such as bachelor degrees that pay well, to access lucrative opportunities.

How do foundational associate degree programs contribute to chemistry research advancement?

Associate degree programs in the chemical sciences offer early, practical exposure to laboratory techniques and analytical methods critical for research innovation. These programs foster technical expertise and provide hands-on training that enables emerging scientists to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world experimental practices. In many instances, partnerships with industry facilitate internships and collaborative projects that serve as vital stepping stones toward advanced research roles and higher academic pursuits. For insights into education pathways that can maximize both research readiness and competitive career outcomes, explore the highest paying associates degrees.

D-index ranking-leaders, averages, and distribution

In Europe, Michael Gratzel, affiliated with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland is ranked first in the region. He is also the first globally with a D-index of 277.

In North America, George M. Whitesides from Harvard University, United States, is the leading scientist. He ranks 2nd place in our report with a D-index of 252.

In Asia, Ben Zhong Tang from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China, leads other scientists in the region. Ben Zhong Tang's D-index is 178, and he ranks 15th in our report.

Shaobin Wang from the University of Adelaide, Australia, is the top scientist in Oceania with a D-index of 151.

In Africa, Roger A. Sheldon from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, leads scientists in chemistry in this region. He has a D-index of 108.

The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 209.6 against an average of 113.23 for all scientists included in the ranking.

The scholar with the lowest index value who made it to the ranking in 2023 has a D-index of 91.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 1291.8 against an average of 627.4 for all ranking scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 200964.4 against an average of 53,438.05 for all ranking scholars.

You can learn more about the methodology used to create this report 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.