World Ranking of Top Genetics & Molecular Biology Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)
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On April 4, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of genetics & molecular biology. 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 genetics & molecular biology.
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 10,000 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 40 if most of their publications were in the field of genetics & molecular biology. 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 genetics & molecular biology scientists ranking
- Scholars from the United States are dominating the ranking with 546 scientists representing 54.6% of all leading genetics & molecular biology scientists.
- The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are the UK (115 scientists or 11.5%), Germany (66 scientists or 6.6%), Japan (47 scientists or 4.7%), Canada (28 scientists or 2.8%), and the Netherlands (27 scientists or 2.7%)
- 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, with the other countries represented being Finland, Iceland, the UK, and France.
- The no. 1 position in the ranking is held by Eric S. Lander from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, US who has an h-index of 332.
- In the 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the leader, with 53 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
- American universities constitute 7 out of 10 top leading institutions with the other countries being represented by the Max Planck Society from Germany, and the University of Cambridge, and Wellcome Sanger Institute from the UK.
- The highest cited scientist is Eric S. Lander from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, United States with 669,531 citations.
- The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 226 against an average of 103 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.
The full ranking for the 2022 list of top genetics & molecular biology scientists can be found here:
TOP GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY SCIENTISTS RANKING
Countries with the highest number of leading genetics & molecular biology scientists
Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 546 scholars included in 2022 which represents 54.6% of the whole ranking. 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, with the other countries represented being Finland, Iceland, the UK, and France.
The United Kindom ranks second with 115 scientists.
The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 66 ranking scientists.
The other leading countries are Japan with 47 scientists, Canada with 28 scientists, the Netherlands with 27 scientists, Australia with 26 scientists, and France with 24 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, Harvard University is the leader, with 53 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the US National Institutes of Health with 40 scientists, and the third place is occupied by Stanford University with 24 scholars.
American universities constitute 70% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other ones representing Germany (Max Planck Society), and the UK (the University of Cambridge, and Wellcome Sanger Institute).
6 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based in the USA. Other top spots are occupied by the University of Helsinki, Finland (2nd spot), deCODE Genetics from Iceland (5th spot), University of Oxford (6th spot), and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, France (8th spot).
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What Are the Non-Academic Career Opportunities in Genetics & Molecular Biology?
Graduate pathways extend beyond traditional academic roles. Industry positions in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and regulatory consulting leverage specialized scientific knowledge to drive innovation and ensure compliance, quality, and market application. These roles emphasize the adaptation of research skills to practical, commercial settings, fostering efficient product development and streamlined operational processes. Moreover, individuals with focused technical training may explore trade school careers to engage in positions that require hands-on expertise, thereby complementing advanced academic credentials with real-world application.
Are Accelerated Online Master’s Programs Effective for Career Advancement?
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Online degree programs for biological sciences
Biology is an exciting field that offers numerous job opportunities for aspiring biological scientists. With an online biology degree, students can prepare for various careers in the field of biological sciences, including genetics and molecular biology. According to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for biology majors is expected to grow by 7% throughout the year 2028 (BLS, 2022).
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How Do the Rankings Shape Future Career Opportunities in Genetics & Molecular Biology?
The current rankings serve as a barometer for emerging career paths and research collaborations within genetics and molecular biology. They provide valuable insights into the areas of expertise that receive significant recognition, thereby guiding both academic institutions and prospective researchers toward the most influential fields. This enhanced visibility supports strategic decisions, from aligning research grants to fostering interdisciplinary partnerships. Moreover, professionals can leverage these insights to build specialized skill sets and pursue advanced studies, such as pursuing an online Pharm D programs, which integrates clinical expertise with research innovation in related biomedical fields.
How Can Dual Master Degrees Foster Interdisciplinary Innovation?
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Is a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences the Best Foundation for Advanced Genetics & Molecular Biology Studies?
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Can Short-Term Certifications Boost Career Opportunities in Genetics & Molecular Biology?
Recent industry trends indicate that targeted, short-term certifications can complement advanced academic qualifications by providing immediate, practical skills. Professionals may find that specialized programs offer a quicker route to acquiring competencies in emerging techniques, laboratory methods, and data analysis practices critical to the field. These concise educational experiences allow for rapid upskilling without the extended commitment required by traditional degree tracks. For instance, programs such as 6 month certifications that pay well have been recognized as effective pathways to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry demands, thereby enhancing overall career agility and marketability.
H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution
For North America, Professor Eric S. Lander, from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, United States ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region with a high H-index of 332. He's also listed as no. 1 in the world ranking.
For Europe, Professor Mark J. Daly from the University of Helsinki, Finland is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 238. He's also listed as no. 2 in the world ranking.
Professor Yusuke Nakamura from the Japanese Foundation For Cancer Research leads the top list in Asia with an H-index of 172 and a world ranking of 24.
For Oceania, Professor Grant W. Montgomery from the University of Queensland, Australia is on top of the list with a world ranking of 94.
Professor Christopher G. Mathew who is affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa is the first in Africa with a world ranking of 660.
Professor Jeremy A. Squire from Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 717.
The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 226 against an average of 103 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 80.
The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 602 against an average of 271 for all 1000 scholars.
The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 267,132 against an average of 57,663 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Eric S. Lander from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, United States with 669,531 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.
