World Ranking of Top Ecology & Evolution Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)
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On April 18, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of ecology and evolution 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 ecology and evolution 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 166,000 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 ecology and evolution 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 ecology & evolutions scientists ranking
- Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 367 scholars included in 2022 which represents 36.7% of the whole ecology & evolution scientists ranking.
- The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are UK (130 scientists or 10.3%), Australia (91 scientists or 9.1%), Canada (66 scientists or 6.6%), Germany (65 scientists or 6.5%), and France (35 scientists or 3.4%)
- Only 2 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
- In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the Spanish National Research Council is the leader, with 22 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
- The first two spots in the ranking are occupied by scientists from the University of Minnesota – Peter B. Reich and David Tilman.
- American universities constitute only 5 out of 10 top leading institutions with other represented institutions being based in Spain, the UK, Australia, and Canada.
- The highest cited scientist is David Tilman from the University of Minnesota with 198,933 citations.
- The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 152 against an average of 75 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.
The full ranking for the 2022 list of top ecology & evolution scientists can be found here:
TOP ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION SCIENTISTS RANKING
Countries with the highest number of leading ecology & evolution scientists
Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 367 scholars included in 2022 which represents 36.7% of the whole ranking. However, only 2 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
The United Kingdom ranks second with 130 scientists.
The third spot was taken by Australia, which currently has 91 ranking scientists.
The other leading countries are Canada with 66 scientists, Germany with 65 scientists, France with 35 scientists, Spain with 31 scientists, and Switzerland with 29 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.
Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists
In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the Spanish National Research Council is the leader, with 22 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the Australian James Cook University with 16 scientists, and the third place is occupied by Stanford University with 15 scholars.
American universities constitute 50% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other ones representing Spain (Spanish National Research Council), Australia (James Cook University), the UK (University of Oxford and Imperial College London), and Canada (University of British Columbia).
Only 2 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based in the USA. The top two spots are occupied by scientists from the University of Minnesota. Other notable institutions among the top 1% are the University of Exeter (3rd spot), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (4th spot), and the Czech Academy of Sciences (5th spot).
Online ecology and evolution degree programs enrich research endeavors
Ecology looks into the connected web of organisms and the environment, while evolution appraises the procedures by which modern organisms have progressed from their ancestors. Students deliberating between a major vs degree in ecology and evolution would be glad to know that such programs can be pursued online at the undergraduate and graduate levels in many colleges and universities.
Online ecology and evolution programs explore the evolutionary emergence of organisms and how they thrived in their varying habitats. Students also get to pursue research opportunities into the physiological and morphological transformation of different plants, animals, and microorganisms. These programs shape students into practitioners and researchers essential in commercial consulting and testing companies, research labs, waste management firms, government environmental bodies, and museums.
If all of these sound exciting to you, you probably now have the answer to the question “what degree should I get?" As of 2022, there are 38,208 professionals thriving in this field (University of Central Missouri, n.d.). In our latest world ranking of top ecology and evolution scientists, it is evident that graduates of this discipline triumph in many research pursuits and play a part in cultivating innovation.
What role do professional certifications play in advancing ecology and evolution research careers?
Professional certifications in ecology and evolution complement advanced degree programs by validating specialized competencies and practical skills. These credentials offer a focused approach to learning that can align with current industry requirements, enhancing both research credibility and career mobility. They address niche areas such as data analytics, environmental sustainability, and innovative field methodologies, thereby enabling researchers to adapt to interdisciplinary challenges. Additionally, recognized certifications contribute to a competitive profile in the evolving funding and recruitment landscape. For additional insights on targeted credentialing, consider exploring the best certificate programs.
What are the accreditation and quality assurance benchmarks for online ecology and evolution programs?
Accreditation standards and robust quality assurance frameworks are essential for validating the credibility of online ecology and evolution programs. Recognized accreditation agencies assess curriculum rigor, research integration, and faculty expertise to ensure that programs meet industry and academic benchmarks. Transparent quality control measures, including periodic reviews and external audits, further confirm that these digital platforms deliver standards comparable to traditional setups. Additionally, specialized, short-term courses such as a 1 year master degree can provide focused training and meet specific professional needs while complementing broader educational goals.
What makes online education in ecology and evolution cost-effective?
Online programs in ecology and evolution are designed to offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional campus-based education by reducing overhead expenses and providing flexible learning models that suit working professionals. These programs often feature streamlined curricula that lower tuition fees while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Additionally, many institutions partner with financial aid programs to further ease the economic burden on students. Prospective learners can explore options at affordable online colleges that accept FAFSA to find quality education pathways that align with their financial needs while advancing their careers.
What are the emerging interdisciplinary opportunities in ecology and evolution research?
Cutting-edge studies reveal that blending ecology and evolution with fields such as computational biology, environmental technology, and public health is fueling novel solutions to global challenges. Collaborative research initiatives now integrate diverse methodologies, expanding funding opportunities and stakeholder partnerships. In particular, cross-disciplinary approaches enable a deeper understanding of complex environmental dynamics and foster innovation in related sectors, including pharmaceutical research. For instance, experts are applying rigorous ecological methods to improve sustainable practices in health sciences, as seen in the pursuit of an online pharmacy doctorate.
How can emerging funding and career opportunities reshape ecology and evolution research?
Emerging funding mechanisms and comprehensive career support are pivotal in driving innovation within ecology and evolution research. Diversified grant programs, public–private partnerships, and specialized funding initiatives allow researchers to undertake high-risk projects and innovative cross-disciplinary studies that push the boundaries of traditional methodologies. Moreover, growing institutional investments in research career development and collaborative infrastructures have broadened the spectrum of opportunities available to emerging scholars. Academic programs, including offerings like the easiest PhD to get, facilitate accessible training and empower new talent to enter the field, positioning them to capitalize on the evolving funding landscape and career advancement prospects.
Can online masters for career change provide a competitive edge in research careers?
Advanced online master’s programs offer targeted training that bridges cutting-edge theoretical research with practical applications. These programs refine methodological expertise, empower data-driven decision-making, and foster strategic thinking—qualities essential in a rapidly evolving research landscape. By integrating interdisciplinary coursework and specialized projects, they help researchers seize emerging opportunities and address contemporary challenges in ecology and evolution. For those aiming to transition into leadership roles or explore new career paths, online masters for career change can be instrumental in achieving a competitive advantage.
Can an accelerated associate's degree jumpstart a career in ecology and evolution research?
Accelerated associate's degree programs offer a streamlined approach to acquiring foundational scientific knowledge and practical skills critical for research environments. These programs facilitate early academic credibility, enabling candidates to transition swiftly into advanced studies and interdisciplinary research roles. By promoting early engagement with core methodologies and analytical techniques, they help build a competitive profile for long-term success in the dynamic field of ecology and evolution.
H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution
For North America, Professor Peter B. Reich, from the University of Minnesota ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region with a high H-index of 184. He's also listed as no. 1 in the world ranking.
For Europe, Professor Kevin J. Gaston from the University of Exeter, UK is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 161. He's also listed as no. 3 in the world ranking.
Professor Carlos M. Duarte from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia leads the top list in Asia with a world ranking of 151. He's also ranked as no. 4 in the world ranking.
For Oceania, Professor William F. Laurance from the James Cook University, Australia is on top of the list with a world ranking of 6 as well.
Professor David M. Richardson who is affiliated with the Stellenbosch University, South Africa is the first in Africa with a world ranking of 20.
Professor Philip M. Fearnside from the National Institute of Amazonian Research, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 175.
The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 152 against an average of 75 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 59.
The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 587 against an average of 207 for all 1000 scholars.
The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 119,230 against an average of 26,810 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.
