World Online Ranking of Best Materials Scientists – 2023 Report

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On April 23, 2023, Research.com published the 2nd edition of the annual report for the best scientists in the area of materials science. The list of leading scientists serves to increase the online visibility of academics and researchers making significant contributions to materials science.

Additionally, we hope the rankings can make it easier for other researchers, decision-makers, and organizations to discover the scientists researching specific topics in this discipline. Everyone can see the foremost experts in materials science across different nations, as well as in various academic institutions and research centers.

For the 2023 report, our research team went through more than 10,500 scientist profiles obtained from various bibliometric data sources. To be considered for the ranking, we used a variety of metrics and criteria. For example, The D-index threshold for approving a scholar was set to 40 if most of their publications were in the field of materials science. A scientist's proportion of contributions made within the discipline, plus their awards and achievements, was also considered.

Latest discoveries in materials science research

Advances in materials science have significantly impacted human society by continually pushing technology forward. Together with other fields of study, such as engineering, the humanities, and social sciences, materials scientists work towards a more sustainable future.

For example, the improved production of materials has led to the development of new technologies that have changed how we live, work, and communicate. The development of high-performance materials, the discovery of graphene, and the creation of new materials for energy storage are just a few examples. Polymers such as plastics, thermoplastics, and polycarbons are also used in a wide range of applications, from the aerospace and automotive industries to construction and manufacturing.

Moreover, the discoveries of scientists have significantly impacted transportation technology by enabling the development of new materials that are lighter, stronger, and more efficient. These include lightweight alloys, composites, and ceramics that have led to the creation of more fuel-efficient vehicles. The School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, for instance, established a research program focused on transportation materials to further improve transportation efficiency and safety through the development of innovative materials and technologies.

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

• Scientists affiliated with institutions in the United States dominate the list, with 369 scientists representing 36.9% of all leading materials scientists.
• The other leading countries in this year's top 5 are China ( 235), Germany (67), the United Kingdom (48), and Japan (43).
• Six out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, with the other countries represented being China, Singapore, Germany, and Switzerland.
• Zhong Lin Wang from Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S., retains his top position in this report. Professor Wang has a D-index of 283.
• In the 2023 edition of our report, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is once again the leading institution. It has 45 scientists included in the ranking.
• The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 231 against an average of 103 for all scientists included in the ranking.

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

BEST MATERIALS SCIENCE SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading materials science scientists

The United States has the most number of leading materials scientists in 2023. It has a total of 369, or eight more from last year, which is a significant lead compared to other countries in the top 10 this year.

China comes in at number two with 235 scientists, a drop from 241 scientists last year, while Germany has 67 scientists, enough for it to have kept the third spot for two years now.

The fourth and fifth positions are similar to last year, with the United Kingdom and Japan occupying these spots with 43 and 40 scientists, respectively.

The other leading countries in the top 10 are Australia (40), Singapore (39), South Korea (26), Canada (17), and Switzerland (16).

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 Can Remote Learning Programs Advance Materials Science Careers?

Recent innovations in remote education are expanding access to advanced research and specialized training for materials science professionals. Digital platforms allow scholars to engage with tailored courses, interactive workshops, and industry collaborations that were once limited to traditional settings. This development not only mitigates geographical and economic constraints but also cultivates diverse research talent. Such initiatives facilitate practical learning through virtual laboratories, peer-to-peer discussions, and expert mentorship, thereby accelerating career progression. Additionally, integrating schooling for remote jobs into comprehensive educational strategies further strengthens the professional pipeline by aligning academic development with market demands.

What Are the Long-Term Career Prospects for Advanced Materials Science Degrees?

Materials science expertise not only propels research innovation but also opens pathways to high-impact careers across aerospace, energy, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries. Professionals leveraging specialized skills in this discipline are increasingly sought after for roles that demand a fusion of technical mastery and strategic vision. Analysis of industry trends indicates that expertise in materials science can lead to positions that rank among the most lucrative degrees, ensuring long-term stability and competitive compensation. Interdisciplinary capabilities, coupled with real-world application of research insights, are driving the demand for experts who can transform academic achievements into tangible economic and technological advancements.

How Can Military-Friendly Online Programs Bolster Materials Science Research?

Military-friendly online programs can serve as a strategic bridge for individuals transitioning from service to advanced research roles within materials science. These programs offer tailored curricula that integrate rigorous scientific training with real-world applications, fostering an environment where discipline and technical proficiency are highly valued. Furthermore, dedicated support structures such as mentorship, career services, and flexible scheduling enable military members to balance academic pursuits with personal commitments while advancing their expertise. For additional information on how these initiatives are structured, please refer to our guide on an online college for military members.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

The institution with the most number of materials scientists in 2023 is the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It has 45 scientists, which is enough to maintain its top ranking from the previous year but is seven scientists lower than the number last year.

Meanwhile, another Chinese institution, Tsinghua University, has maintained its second position in 2022. Based in Beijing, the research university has 25 scientists affiliated with the institution this year.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranks third in 2023 with 21 scientists, as it did last year but with one less scientist. It is followed by another American university, Northwestern University, with 18 scientists. It is tied with the National University of Singapore, also with 18 scientists.

The fifth spot goes to another university in Singapore, Nanyang Technological University. This year, the second-oldest autonomous university in the country has 17 materials scientists affiliated with its institution.

Other leading universities in the list are the University of California, Santa Barbara (16 scientists), which dropped from the fifth spot in 2022, the Georgia Institute of Technology (15), the University of Science and Technology of China (15), and the University of California, Berkeley (14).

Strengthening research in online universities

With the best online colleges and universities offering online programs in materials science, students and researchers also have more support when it comes to research activities. Online collaboration is faster and not limited by one's location. Advanced technology like AR and VR in virtual platforms may provide opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate on materials science research projects. This can enable researchers to work together from different locations, sharing their knowledge and expertise, and developing innovative solutions to complex research problems.

Moreover, through their investments in IT infrastructure and software, online universities provide access to online libraries, databases, and other resources that contain relevant materials science research articles, journals, and data. This could be especially valuable to students and professors that may have limited physical access to research materials in their universities or libraries.

Online universities can also offer virtual research support services, such as online writing centers, tutoring, and academic advising. These services can help students and faculty to improve their research skills, refine their research questions, and develop their research proposals.

How Do Cost-Efficient Academic Strategies Influence Materials Science Research Innovation?

Recent shifts toward cost-efficient academic initiatives are opening pathways for enhanced research collaborations in materials science. By leveraging affordable education models and interdisciplinary online programs, scholars can access specialized training and industry-relevant methodologies that directly impact research productivity and innovation. These initiatives not only broaden participation in advanced research but also streamline project management and budget optimization without compromising academic quality.

Moreover, institutions that adopt a cost-effective approach benefit from improved resources allocation and the integration of complementary disciplines. For instance, gaining insights into budgeting and operational efficiencies through programs like construction management degree cost may foster novel collaborative projects that bridge materials science with construction and infrastructure development, leading to sustainable, impactful technological advancements.

Can Accelerated PhD Online Programs Propel Materials Science Innovation?

Advanced, accelerated online doctoral pathways offer a strategic advantage by condensing research training while broadening interdisciplinary collaboration. These programs promote adaptive learning environments that leverage real-time data, computational tools, and specialized mentoring, thereby enabling researchers to quickly translate theoretical insights into practical innovations. The flexibility in curriculum design and global accessibility also supports the formation of diverse research teams, fostering breakthroughs in materials science that address both technological and sustainability challenges. By integrating cost-effective, digital education practices—such as those found in PhD online programs—institutions can cultivate a more agile workforce poised to drive forward emerging research trends.

What Can Affordable Online Education Offer to Materials Science Research?

Recent advancements in online education provide a strategic avenue for working professionals to access high-quality, flexible learning environments tailored to materials science research. These digital platforms facilitate immediate collaboration, allow for the integration of interdisciplinary methodologies, and bolster continuous professional development without the constraints of traditional campus settings. By reducing overhead costs, institutions can reinvest in cutting-edge research tools and virtual laboratories, which in turn drive innovation in materials design and application. For detailed insights into budget-friendly education initiatives, please refer to What are the leading online universities for adults?.

What Role Do Industry Partnerships Play in Advancing Materials Science Research?

The integration of industry partnerships into materials science initiatives creates a synergistic environment where academic rigor meets real-world application. Collaborations with leading companies and startups provide access to state-of-the-art technology, unique datasets, and funding opportunities that can accelerate the development of innovative materials. These alliances also enable researchers to validate findings through pilot projects and case studies, ensuring that academic insights translate effectively into commercial successes. Furthermore, industry-driven projects often inform curriculum enhancements and career guidance for emerging scholars, including pathways in vocational training such as which associates degree pays the most.

D-index ranking-leaders, averages, and distribution

In North America, Professor Zhong Lin Wang, from Georgia Institute of Technology, United States is the leading scientist. He is also the top globally, with a D-index of 283.

In Europe, Professor Michael Gratzel affiliated with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland is ranked first in the region and second globally, with a D-index of 279.

In Asia, Professor Jiaguo Yu from the Wuhan University of Technology, China leads other scientists in the region. Professor Yu's D-index is 203, and he ranks 9th in our report.

Shi-Zhang Qiao from the University of Adelaide, Australia is the top scientist in Oceania. He ranks 46th in our report and has a D-index of 164.

José Arana Varela from the Sao Paulo State University, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a D-index of 94.

The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 239 against an average of 111 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 87.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 1236.3 against an average of 623.82 for all ranking scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 238,344.7 against an average of 54, 466.56 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.