World Ranking of Top Materials Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On March 28, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of materials 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 materials 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 11,00 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 materials 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 materials scientists ranking

• Scholars from the United States are dominating the ranking with 361 scientists representing 36.1% of all leading microbiology scientists.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are China (241 scientists or 24.1%), Germany (68 scientists or 6.8%), the UK (51 scientists or 5.1%), Japan (45 scientists or 4.5%), and Australia (42 scientists or 4.2%)
• 7 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, with the other countries represented being China and Switzerland
• The no. 1 position in the ranking is held by Zhong Lin Wang from Georgia Institute of Technology, US, who has an h-index of 299.
• In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leader, with 52 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
• American universities constitute only 40% of the top 10 leading institutions with 30% representing China, 20% being Singapore institutions, and 10% being from the UK.
• The highest cited scientist is Zhong Lin Wang from Georgia Institute of Technology, US, with 391,479 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 231 against an average of 103 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2022 list of top materials scientists can be found here:

TOP MATERIALS SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading materials scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 361 scholars included in 2022 which represents 36.1% of the whole ranking. 7 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, with the other countries represented being China and Switzerland.

China ranks second with 241 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 68 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are the United Kingdom with 13 scientists, Japan with 45 scientists, Australia with 42 scientists, Singapore with 36 scientists, and South Korea with 25 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 advantages do accelerated degree programs offer in materials science?

Accelerated degree programs create a pathway for professionals to rapidly gain in-demand technical knowledge and research expertise. These intensive programs, such as 6-month degree programs, enable swift immersion into current methodologies and emerging technologies. They are designed to meet the evolving needs of the materials science field by offering concentrated coursework and practical exposure, thereby equipping graduates to address industry challenges promptly and effectively.

What are the emerging trends driving innovation in materials science?

Recent shifts in research have highlighted an increased focus on interdisciplinary approaches, sustainable materials, and digital transformation. Notably, cross-sector collaborations integrating chemistry, engineering, and data science have led to breakthroughs in nanomaterials and biomimetic composites. These trends are not only redefining research priorities but are also reshaping academic pathways; for instance, emerging curricula are incorporating flexible learning options similar to the easiest BA degree that support a broader range of scientific inquiry.

Are vocational training programs a viable alternative for materials science careers?

While traditional academic routes continue to dominate the research landscape, vocational training programs provide a practical alternative that meets industry demands with applied technical skills and hands-on experience. These programs emphasize real-world laboratory techniques and project-based learning, enabling candidates to contribute effectively to innovative manufacturing and materials development sectors. Professionals evaluating career options should consider the potential benefits, including competitive compensation insights as outlined in the trade school salary resource.

Why Choose a Master Degree in One Year for Materials Science?

Accelerated master’s programs in materials science are designed to provide comprehensive academic and practical training in a shortened timeframe, allowing professionals to quickly integrate advanced research methodologies with industry-relevant applications. This focused approach not only reduces time-to-degree but also fosters opportunities for early engagement in innovative projects and cross-sector collaborations, positioning graduates for rapid career advancement and impactful contributions within the field. For those seeking an expedited yet rigorous academic pathway, a master degree in one year represents a strategic option.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leader, with 52 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is Tsinghua University with 25 scientists, and the third place is occupied by MIT with 21 scholars.

American universities constitute only 40% of the top 10 leading institutions with 30% representing China, 20% being Singapore institutions, and 10% being from the UK.

7 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based in the USA. Other top spots are occupied by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland (3rd spot), Wuhan University of Technology, China (7th spot), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (10th spot).

How do advanced degrees impact career success in materials science?

Advanced qualifications in materials science can accelerate career progression by opening doors to leadership roles, cutting-edge research opportunities, and enhanced industry recognition. Professionals with advanced degrees often secure positions that offer increased responsibilities and competitive compensation, reflecting the strategic value of deep technical expertise. This dynamic is further evidenced by the market demand for professionals with credentials from some of the highest paying master's degrees programs, which not only boost earning potential but also foster impactful collaborations within academia and industry.

Online Engineering Degree Programs Support Material Science Research

If you’re looking to pursue research in materials science, an online engineering degree can be a good first step. Based on a recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics, engineering is one of the most popular fields of study among postsecondary students, with a total of 128,300 degrees conferred during the school year 2019-2020 (NCES, 2020).

Engineering is a broad field that encompasses a variety of related disciplines, including materials science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering. The research involved in different engineering fields can help students learn more about developing materials for nanotechnology, manufacturing, and biotechnology, among other industries.

Typically, engineering majors will also complete multiple math and physics courses. Online degree-holders in the field of engineering can expect to fill up job positions in various STEM fields and work on major projects that drive innovation and materials development.

How Do These Rankings Influence Funding and Collaboration Opportunities?

The rankings serve as a catalyst by highlighting leading research, which in turn attracts investment from both government bodies and private organizations. Enhanced visibility can foster strategic partnerships among institutions and facilitate international collaborations that drive innovation. Moreover, the prestige associated with high-ranked profiles may influence funding allocation decisions for emerging projects and initiatives. Professionals are encouraged to consider programs such as the fast track degree to swiftly advance their expertise and pursue collaborative research opportunities.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For North America, Professor Zhong Lin Wang, from Georgia Institute of Technology, United States ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region and he's also listed as no. 1 in the world ranking with a high H-index of 299.

For Europe, Professor Michael Gratzel from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 260.

Professor Jiaguo Yu from the Wuhan University of Technology, China leads the top list in Asia with an H-index of 204 and a world ranking of 7.

For Oceania, Professor Yusuke Yamauchi from the University of Queensland, Australia is on top of the list with a world ranking of 30.

Professor Ado Jorio from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 449.

Professor Malik Maaza who is affiliated with the University of South Africa is the first in Africa with a world ranking of 635.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 231 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 81.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 1213 against an average of 488 for all 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 236,600 against an average of 47,474 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Zhong Lin Wang from Georgia Institute of Technology, United States with 391,479 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.