World Ranking of Top Animal & Venterinary Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On April 10, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of animal science and veterinary science. This list of 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 animal and veterinary 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 3,400 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 to 20 if most of their publications were in the field of animal or veterinary science. The inclusion criteria for scholars to be considered into the ranking of top scientists are based on the discipline h-index, the proportion of contributions made within the given discipline in addition to the awards and achievements of the scientists.

The key findings for the 1st edition of top animal & veterinary scientists ranking

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 319 scholars included in 2022 which represents 31.9% of the whole animal & veterinary scientists ranking.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are UK (86 scientists or 8.6%), Canada (75 scientists or 7.5%), Australia (58 scientists or 5.8%), Spain (45 scientists or 4.5%), and France (44 scientists or 4.4%)
• Only 2 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, while as many as 4 of them are from Canada. The other countries represented in the top 1% are Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and the Netherlands.
• The no. 1 position in the ranking is held by Karen A. Beauchemin from the Agriculture and Agriculture-Food Canada who has an h-index of 95.
• In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the Wageningen University & Research from the Netherlands is the leader, with 26 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
• American universities constitute only 5 out of 10 top leading institutions with the other countries being represented by the Wageningen University & Research from the Netherlands, the University of Guelph from Canada, INRAE from France, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and Massey University from New Zealand.
• The highest cited scientist is Tim A. McAllister from Agriculture and Agriculture-Food Canada with 27,502 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 86 against an average of 34 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2022 list of top animal & veterinary scientists can be found here:

TOP ANIMAL & VETERINARY SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading animal & veterinary scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 319 scholars included in 2022 which represents 31.9% of the whole ranking. However, only 2 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, while as many as 4 of them are from Canada, with the other countries represented being Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and the Netherlands.

The United Kingdom ranks second with 86 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Canada, which currently has 75 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Australia with 58 scientists, Spain with 45 scientists, France with 44 scientists, Italy with 40 scientists, and the Netherlands with 38 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.

What Emerging Trends Are Shaping Veterinary Science Research and Career Development?

Recent advancements in digital technology and data analytics are transforming research methodologies and career pathways in veterinary science. Integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and precision medicine is opening new avenues for understanding animal health and disease dynamics. As interdisciplinary collaborations increase, professionals are encouraged to augment their traditional expertise with targeted skill sets that meet evolving industry standards. In this context, focused short-term training initiatives, such as certificate programs that pay well, provide practitioners with timely, specialized education to leverage emerging trends without committing to long-term degree programs.

Can Competency-Based Education Foster Innovative Veterinary Research?

Veterinary research today demands agile and tailored training models that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Competency-based education offers focused skill development in areas such as advanced analytics, precision medicine, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This approach enables veterinary scientists to continuously update their research methodologies and adapt to emerging trends. Programs provided by competency based universities illustrate how flexible curricula can align academic rigor with practical applications, ultimately fostering innovation and accelerating research outcomes.

How Do Quick Certifications Enhance Practical Skill Sets in Veterinary Science?

Expanding practical capabilities through focused, short-term training can complement established academic qualifications. Veterinary professionals are leveraging targeted courses to acquire essential technical competencies that immediately translate into enhanced clinical performance and research efficiency. Such concise, skill-oriented programs offer a rapid route to refine specialty techniques and practical expertise. For further insights into these options, consider exploring quick certifications that pay well.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the Wageningen University & Research from the Netherlands is the leader, with 26 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the US Agricultural Research Service with 25 scientists, and the third place is occupied by the University of Guelph, Canada with 24 scholars.

American universities constitute 50% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other ones representing the Netherlands (Wageningen University & Research), Canada (University of Guelph), France (INRAE), Sweden (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), and New Zealand (Massey University).

Only 2 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based in the USA. The top spots are occupied by scientists from Agriculture and Agriculture-Food Canada (1st spot), the University of British Columbia, Canada (2nd spot), and the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (3rd spot).

What Accreditation Standards Should Guide Your Online Veterinary Program Selection?

Ensuring the credibility of online veterinary programs demands careful evaluation of accreditation by recognized regulatory bodies. Accredited institutions follow established quality assurance practices and maintain rigorous academic standards that are essential for effective research and clinical training. Prospective students should verify that a program meets industry-specific criteria and is endorsed by relevant professional organizations. Additionally, comparing course structures and graduate outcomes can provide valuable insights into program efficacy, as demonstrated by options like an accelerated bachelor's degree online.

Online veterinary degree programs support research and innovation

For several decades now, medicine and science-related degrees have always been some of the highest-paying college majors. Veterinary degree programs are no exception-until today, it remains a popular choice among individuals who want to pursue a reputable and high-paying career. With a median annual wage of $100,370 per year, the employment outlook for licensed veterinarians usually grows at a higher rate than all other occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

An online veterinary degree can be an excellent choice for individuals who are passionate about taking care of animals and providing them with medical care. In this degree program, aspiring veterinarians can learn the necessary skills and knowledge that they need to work in the field. Students also pursue in-depth research into fields such as animal health and welfare and public health. While most of the coursework can be completed online, students of online veterinary degree programs are still usually required to pursue hands-on, in-person clinical rotations and training to earn their degree.

Veterinary medicine programs are often challenging and competitive, so students pursuing this degree are usually encouraged to have some experience in the field, as well as other areas of science and medicine. This means degree holders of veterinary courses can have fulfilling careers in biotechnology and find employment in disciplines such as veterinary public health, shelter medicine, and regulatory medicine.

Can Supplementary Online Certifications Accelerate Career Growth?

Veterinary professionals aiming to refine niche skills and integrate cutting-edge techniques into their practice can leverage focused educational opportunities. In addition to traditional degrees, pursuing online graduate certificate programs offers a streamlined path to acquire specialized competencies such as advanced data analytics, epidemiology, or emerging zoonotic disease management. These programs are structured to provide targeted insights that complement broader academic qualifications and facilitate faster adaptation to evolving research demands.

How Can Veterinary Scientists Further Enhance Their Career Trajectories?

Veterinary scientists can advance their careers by integrating specialized continuing education that addresses both core research competencies and complementary administrative skills. Enhancing proficiency in grant management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and data analysis can contribute to a more robust research profile. In addition, pursuing targeted online certifications can provide practical expertise that supports innovative research practices and effective project management. For instance, acquiring skills in areas like revenue cycle management through a low cost medical coding and billing online program can offer valuable insights into the financial aspects of research and clinical operations.

Can a 1 year Online Masters Degree Catalyze Veterinary Research Innovation?

In today’s fast-evolving research environment, condensed graduate programs are emerging as strategic pathways for veterinary professionals seeking to integrate advanced scientific concepts with practical applications. Such intensive programs are designed to rapidly develop competencies in areas such as data analytics, precision medicine, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They offer a focused curriculum that aligns with current industry demands and fosters a swift transition from academic research to real-world implementation. For detailed program options, refer to the 1 year online masters degree.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For North America, Professor Karen A. Beauchemin, from Agriculture and Agriculture-Food Canada ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region with a high H-index of 95. She's also listed as no. 2 in the world ranking.

For Europe, Professor José de la Fuente from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 91. He's also listed as no. 3 in the world ranking.

For Oceania, Professor Robert Poulin from the University of Otago, New Zealand is on top of the list with a world ranking of 6.

Professor Marcelo B. Labruna from Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 12.

Professor Frans Jongejan who is affiliated with the University of Pretoria, South Africa is the first in Africa with a world ranking of 13.

Professor Dirk U. Pfeiffer from the City University of Hong Kong, China leads the top list in Asia with a world ranking of 61.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 86 against an average of 34 for all 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 24.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 369 against an average of 110 for all 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 23,646 against an average of 5013 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Tim A. McAllister from Agriculture and Agriculture-Food Canada with 27,502 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.