World Ranking of Top Earth Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)
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On May 5, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of earth 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 earth 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 6,700 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 30 if most of their publications were in the field of earth 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 earth scientists ranking
- Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 490 scholars included in 2022 which represents 49% of the whole earth scientists ranking.
- The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are The UK (98 scientists or 9.8%), Australia (74 scientists or 7.4%), France (53 scientists or 5.3%), Germany (45 scientists or 4.5%), and China (44 scientists or 4.4%)
- Only 3 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
- In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the California Institute of Technology is the leader, with 26 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
- The top-ranking scientist in earth science is William L. Griffin from Macquarie University, Australia with an h-index of 148.
- American universities constitute 50% of the 10 top leading institutions with other represented institutions being based in China, Australia, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
- The highest cited scientist is William L. Griffin from Macquarie University, Australia with 95,457 citations.
- The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 133 against an average of 72 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.
The full ranking for the 2022 list of top earth scientists can be found here:
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Countries with the highest number of leading earth scientists
Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 490 scholars included in 2022 which represents 49% of the whole ranking. However, only 3 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
The United Kingdom ranks second with 98 scientists.
The third spot was taken by Australia, which currently has 74 ranking scientists.
The other leading countries are France with 53 scientists, Germany with 45 scientists, China with 44 scientists, Canada with 44 scientists, and Switzerland with 35 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.
Can Online Graduate Programs Facilitate Career Transitions in Earth Science?
Online graduate programs offer targeted curricula that empower professionals to realign their expertise and transition seamlessly into earth science roles. This focused educational approach not only bridges skill gaps but also provides practical insights and innovative research opportunities, essential for evolving industry demands. Learners benefit from flexible course structures and diverse specializations, which are integral in addressing current environmental challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. For more information on tailored programs that support such transitions, visit masters for career change.
Can Complementary Certifications Elevate an Earth Scientist's Career?
Integrating targeted certifications with advanced academic credentials can offer a measurable edge by validating specialized skill sets relevant to emerging industry demands. Industry-recognized high paying certificate programs serve as an effective complement to traditional education, enabling professionals to bridge critical knowledge gaps and bolster practical expertise. This strategic combination fosters agile career transitions, expands professional networks, and aligns researchers with evolving technological and regulatory standards essential for impactful contributions in earth science.
Can Accelerated Online Programs Enhance Research Career Progression?
Accelerated online programs are emerging as a strategic alternative for researchers seeking to quickly enhance their expertise and advance their careers. Such programs offer a concise, targeted curriculum that enables professionals to gain specialized, interdisciplinary skills without lengthy time commitments. For instance, leveraging one year online master programs provides an efficient pathway to advanced academic and professional qualifications, often aligned with current industry and research demands. These expedited programs utilize innovative digital platforms and integration with real-world projects, ensuring graduates can immediately apply their knowledge to drive impactful research and innovation.
What Are the Long-Term Career and Economic Benefits for Earth Science Graduates?
Advanced earth science degrees not only expand academic prowess but also open pathways to lucrative professional roles. Graduates in this field are increasingly sought after in sectors ranging from environmental consultancy to resource management and sustainable infrastructure. Their specialized analytical and research skills align with industries that prioritize innovation and ecological stewardship, often translating into competitive salary packages and career advancement opportunities. For a detailed analysis of financially rewarding academic disciplines, please review the best majors in college.
Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists
In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the California Institute of Technology is the leader, with 26 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the Chinese Academy of Sciences with 20 scientists, and the third place is occupied by the Australian National University with 20 scholars.
American universities and institutions constitute 50% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other ones representing China, Australia, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Only 3 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based in the USA. The other top spots are occupied by scientists from Macquarie University, Australia (1st spot), Curtin University, Australia (2nd spot), ETH Zurich, Switzerland (4th spot), and the University of Hong Kong, China (5th spot).
Online earth science degree programs advance research in related fields
With the advent of online earth science degree programs, we can also expect a positive impact on research endeavors in related fields such as industrial engineering and geology. Since online education enables increased accessibility, students are no longer bound by location. Interdisciplinary collaboration becomes easier and research networks can expand. Industrial engineering researchers can work with their counterparts in earth science on tackling pressing issues like sustainability, risk management, and resource management. This improved accessibility to knowledge may also further increase the number of graduates with industrial engineering degrees–at 9,448 U.S. graduates in 2020 (Data USA, 2020).
Meanwhile, students who want to take up a geology degree can also benefit from online earth science courses. The two disciplines are closely related, with geology being a sub-discipline of earth science. By taking courses in earth science, students can gain a solid foundation on geological processes, such as plate tectonics, how they impact Earth's overall systems, and how they interact with other natural systems.
Are Online Degrees a Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Programs?
Cost efficiency is emerging as a critical factor in expanding access to advanced earth science education. Many prospective scholars assess not only the academic quality but also the financial benefits when opting for online programs. These alternatives often provide reduced tuition rates, lower operational costs, and minimized ancillary expenses compared to traditional campuses. Comparative evidence suggests that financial savings can enhance enrollment diversity and enable researchers to reinvest in innovative projects. Recent analyses have examined if are online degrees cheaper than in person, highlighting affordability as a key driver in broadening participation and sustaining long-term research engagement.
How Can Interdisciplinary Online Programs Broaden Scientific Career Paths?
Integrating insights from diverse fields through interdisciplinary online programs can provide a competitive edge when addressing multifaceted earth science challenges. Such programs foster collaboration that extends beyond traditional boundaries, enabling professionals to incorporate public health and environmental safety considerations into their research. For instance, complementary training in nursing, as offered by cheapest ADN online programs, equips graduates with perspectives that enhance community-focused environmental strategies and crisis management.
H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution
For Oceania, Professor William L. Griffin from Macquarie University, Australia is on top of the list with a world ranking of no. 1 as well. His h-index is 148.
For North America, Professor Christopher T. Russell, from the University of California, Los Angeles ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region with a high H-index of 134. He's also listed as no. 3 in the world ranking.
For Europe, Professor Peter Molnar from ETH Zurich, Switzerland is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 134. He's also listed as no. 4 in the world ranking.
Professor Guochun Zhao from the University of Hong Kong, China leads the top list in Asia with a world ranking of 5 as well.
Professor Jan Kramers who is affiliated with the University of Johannesburg, South Africa is the first in Africa with a world ranking of 583.
Professor M.A. Abdu from the National Institute for Space Research, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 633.
The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 133 against an average of 72 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 58.
The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 781 against an average of 214 for all 1000 scholars.
The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 67819 against an average of 19417 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is William L. Griffin from Macquarie University, Australia with 95,457 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.
