World Online Ranking of Best Electronics and Electrical Engineering Scientists – 2023 Report

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On 23 February 2023, Research.com released the 9th edition of the annual ranking for best scientists in the area of electronics and electrical engineering. This report, which contains the list of leading scholars, intends to offer the academic community increased awareness of the significant research contributions made by those at the forefront of electronics and electrical engineering research.

It is our hope that this report will have a positive impact on researchers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs from all parts of the world by inspiring them to discover where the field of electronics and electrical engineering is heading. It is a great opportunity for all of us to learn who the leading experts are in different research areas, in different countries, as well as within different universities and research institutions.

For the 2023 edition of the ranking, more than 10,355 scientist profiles from various bibliometric data sources have been examined with several indicators and metrics reviewed in order to consider each scientist’s inclusion in the ranking.

The D-index (Discipline H-index) threshold for approving a scholar to be considered was set to 30 if most of their publications were in the field of electronics and electrical engineering. The inclusion criteria for scholars to be considered for the ranking of best scientists are based on the discipline D-index, the proportion of contributions made within the given discipline, and the awards and achievements of the scientists.

Latest discoveries in electronics and electrical engineering research

From smart grids that can enhance the monitoring of energy generation, transmission, and distribution to optimizing the design of electric vehicle charging technologies, the field of electronics and electrical engineering research is one tireless sector when it comes to studying and designing systems that can contribute to sustainable energy.

In 2022, scientists focused on how electronics and electrical engineering research can contribute to mitigating the effects of increasing carbon dioxide emissions. Through easing the transition to electric vehicles by improving EV charging architecture, these best scientists are working on identifying the most sustainable materials for battery design.

The Key findings for the 2nd edition of the best electronics & electrical engineering scientists ranking

• Scholars from the United States are dominating the ranking with 468 scientists representing 46.8% of the top electronics scientists. The other countries with leading positions in the ranking are China (113 scientists or 11.3%), Canada (53 scientists or 5.3%), the United Kingdom (53 scientists or 5.3%), Japan (33 scientists or 3.3%), Australia (32 scientists or 3.2%), and Switzerland (28 scientists or 2.8%).
• Only 4 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, while the other 6 researchers represent Denmark, Australia, China, Singapore, Canada, and Japan.
• Professor Frede Blaabjerg from Aalborg University in Denmark remains at the top of the ranking with an h-index of 176.
• In the 2023 edition of the top scientists in electronics and electrical engineering, MIT is the leading institution with a total of 28 scientists included in the ranking.
• 7 out of 10 leading institutions are American universities, while two are from Switzerland, and one is from Singapore.
• The average h-index for the top 1% of scientists is 151.7 against an average of 75.61 for all scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2023 list of top electronics and electrical engineering scientists can be found here:

WORLD'S BEST ELECTRONICS & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading electronics & electrical engineering scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 468 scholars included in 2023, which represents 46.8% of the entire ranking. Two additional scientists from the U.S. made it to the top list this year.

Among the top 1% of scientists, four researchers are affiliated with institutions based in the U.S., while the other six represent Denmark, Australia, China, Singapore, Canada, and Japan. China ranks second among the top countries with 113 scientists.

The third spot belongs to Canada, which currently has 53 ranking scientists, while the United Kingdom moved one rank lower from 2022, coming in at the 4th spot with 53 scientists.

The other leading countries are the United Kingdom with 53 scientists, Japan with 33 scholars, Australia, which gained one more scientist this year at 32 ranking scientists, and Switzerland with 28 scholars.

Also in the top 1% are Italy with 26 scientists, South Korea with 24 scholars, and Singapore with 23 scientists. For the 2023 ranking, Switzerland made it to the top 1%, ranking 7th replacing Germany, which held the same spot in 2022. From its 4th position in 2022, Canada advanced one notch higher to the 3rd spot.

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

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Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

In the 2023 edition of our ranking, MIT is the leader with 28 scientists. Stanford University comes next with 27 scholars, followed by the University of California-Berkeley in the third spot with 24 scientists.

7 out of 10 leading institutions are American universities, while two are from Switzerland, and one is from Singapore.

4 out of 10 institutions in the top 1% are based in the U.S. while the other six universities are from Denmark, Australia, China, Singapore, Canada, and Japan.

Among the 20 leading institutions, 13 universities are based in the U.S. Other leading institutions with the most number of scientists include the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and ETH Zurich in Switzerland, the National University of Singapore in Singapore, the City University of Hong Kong and Southeast University in China, KU Leuven in Belgium, and the University of Toronto in Canada.

Are Alternative Educational Pathways Viable for a Career in Electronics & Electrical Engineering?

Professionals seeking entry into electronics and electrical engineering can benefit from non-traditional educational routes. Vocational training and targeted certification programs offer practical, hands-on experiences that complement academic studies. These alternative pathways emphasize technical skill development and real-world problem solving, which are increasingly valued in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, and digital infrastructure projects. Moreover, exploring options like trades after high school provides a direct route to industry certifications and immediate workforce integration.

What Impact Does a 6 Month Associate Degree Have on Career Initiation in Electronics & Electrical Engineering?

Accelerated online programs offer a streamlined path for emerging professionals by delivering essential technical competencies and practical experiences in a condensed timeframe. A focused 6-month curriculum equips students with foundational skills critical to early career development, emphasizing hands-on project work and industry-relevant problem solving. This model fosters immediate integration into technical roles, strengthening the bridge between academic insights and real-world applications. Explore the strategic advantages of a 6 month associate degree online for a swift transition into the dynamic field of electronics and electrical engineering.

Online electronics degree programs advance research tradition

The rise of online universities offering electrical engineering degree programs has paved the way for more collaborations among scientists from different universities. In the field of electronics where there is an ongoing relentless pursuit of sustainable energy storage systems, the online platform is performing an important role in scientific discoveries.

One example is the collaboration between MIT and Brown University, which unlocked dendrite formation in lithium batteries. Student researchers enrolled in online universities taking online electronics degree programs are able to observe and participate in these types of online collaborations, and as data are exchanged based on experiments performed, the research culture among universities is strengthened.

What Advantages Do Shorter Doctoral Programs Provide to Researchers?

Accelerated doctoral studies offer researchers a streamlined path to advanced expertise while fostering early integration into high-impact projects. These fast-track academic routes not only reduce time-to-degree but also encourage a focus on innovative research questions and agile collaboration in rapidly evolving technological fields. By minimizing administrative overhead and emphasizing core research competencies, shorter doctoral pathways contribute to faster application of new ideas and methodologies in the field. For a detailed look at time-efficient degree options, please explore PhD programs.

What Interdisciplinary Skills Enhance Research Impact?

In today's competitive research landscape, integrating expertise from complementary disciplines can amplify a scientist’s ability to innovate and disseminate knowledge. Researchers who build proficiency in information management and data curation tend to streamline the discovery process and optimize publication strategies across multiple platforms. For instance, gaining additional training through programs like the MLIS degree online can provide critical insights on managing extensive bibliometric data, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations, and enhancing the overall visibility of research outputs. This interdisciplinary approach not only supports rigorous academic methodologies but also drives the evolution of sustainable technological innovations in electronics and electrical engineering.

What Are the Most Lucrative Career Paths in Electronics & Electrical Engineering?

Advanced research in electronics and electrical engineering is not only driving innovation but also opening pathways to high-value career opportunities. Researchers and graduates can transition into roles within semiconductor design, renewable energy systems, and emerging digital infrastructure projects. The evolving industry landscape favors professionals who combine technical excellence with interdisciplinary insights, enabling them to assume strategic leadership positions and contribute to breakthrough developments. For those evaluating educational options that enhance market competitiveness, consider exploring the best degrees to make money.

How Do Undergraduate Programs Foster Innovation in Electronics & Electrical Engineering?

Undergraduate education plays a pivotal role in forming a robust research foundation and cultivating innovative mindsets that drive industry breakthroughs. Focused curricula and experiential learning opportunities equip students with practical problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of core principles. By integrating real-world applications with theoretical knowledge, undergraduate programs can serve as an effective launchpad for research and technical innovations. For example, graduates who opt for bachelor degrees that make the most money demonstrate how strategic educational choices can merge academic rigor with market demand, ultimately enhancing career growth and contributing to sustained industry advancements.

D-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For Europe, Professor Frede Blaabjerg from Aalborg University in Denmark is ranked first in the region, and is also the top 1 scientist in the world ranking, with an H-index of 176.

For Oceania, Professor Peng Shi from the University of Adelaide in Australia tops the list and is also ranked second in the world ranking with an H-index of 157.

Professor Guanrong Chen from the City University of Hong Kong in China who leads in Asia is also at the third spot in the world ranking with an H-index of 155.

For North America, Professor Stephen R. Forrest, from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in the U.S. leads the list and ranks 5th on our top list with a high H-index of 152.

Professor Jose Rodriguez from Andrés Bello University in Chile is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 71.

Professor Qing-Guo Wang from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa is the highest-ranking scientist in South Africa with a world ranking of 489.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 151.7 against an average of 75.61 for all scientists included in the ranking.

The scholar with the lowest index value who made it to the ranking in 2023 has an H-index of 59.

The average number of published articles within the field of electronics for the 1% of scientists in the ranking is 1458 against an average of 512 for all ranking scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is (97,493) against an average of (25,752) for all ranking 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.