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

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On February 14, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of mathematics. 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 mathematics.

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 3707 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 mathematics. 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.

What do these rankings mean for aspiring mathematicians?

These rankings offer a strategic perspective into the evolving landscape of mathematical research, providing emerging scholars with a clear benchmark for academic excellence and research impact. They inform potential collaborations, funding opportunities, and guide career decisions by highlighting institutions and regions with leading research trends. Recognizing these indicators can also influence educational choices, enabling aspiring mathematicians to leverage opportunities in cost-effective programs such as the cheapest online associate degree, which support a smooth transition into advanced studies and innovative research environments.

The key findings for the 1st edition of top mathematics scientists ranking

• Scholars from the United States are dominating the ranking with 458 scientists representing 45.8% of all leading mathematics scientists. The other countries with leading positions in the ranking are the United Kingdom (63 scientists or 6.3%), Germany (60 scientists or 6%), France (53 scientists or 5.3%), China (47 scientists or 4.7%), Canada (38 scientists or 3.8%), and Italy (31 scientists or 3.1%).
• 7 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, while the other three are from the UK, Israel, and Turkey.
• No. 1 position in the ranking is held by Barry Simon from the California Institute of Technology, who has an h-index of 113
• In 2022 Princeton University was the research institution hosting the highest number of leading mathematics scientists with as many as 22 of them working there this year.
• American universities constitute 90% of the top 10 leading institutions in mathematics with the only non-American institution being Swiss ETH Zurich on the 10th spot with 12 scientists.
• The highest cited scientist is Donald B. Rubin from Temple University with 309,479 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 108 against an average of 55 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

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

TOP MATHEMATICS SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading mathematics scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 458 scholars included in 2022 which represents 45.8% of the whole ranking. 7 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States, with the other three being from Israel, Canada, and Turkey.

The United Kingdom ranks second with 63 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 60 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are France with 53 scientists, China with 47 scientists, Canada with 38 scientists, and Italy with 31 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, Princeton University is the leader, with 22 scientists affiliated with that university included in the ranking. Ranking second is Stanford University with 21 scientists, and the third place is occupied by the University of California, Berkeley with 21 scholars as well.

American universities constitute 90% of the top 10 leading institutions with the only non-American institution being Swiss ETH Zurich on the 10th spot.

7 out of 10 institutions in the top 1% are based in the USA, the other three are Tel Aviv University (ranked 2nd), HEC Montréal (ranked 3rd), and Çankaya University (ranked 6th).

The only two institutions with more than one representative in the top 1% of the ranking are the California Institute of Technology (with 2 scholars) and the University of California, Los Angeles (with 2 scholars as well).

Among 20 leading institutions 17 are universities based in the US, the other three are based in Switzerland (ETH Zurich), the United Kingdom (University of Oxford), and Austria (University of Vienna).

Online mathematics degree programs enrich research endeavors

A mathematics degree can take you places. You do not have to be boxed in the walls of a classroom or a financial institution. There are tons of career pathways available. But if you want to go the academic route, you will find it a fulfilling and challenging venture. Mathematicians are always exchanging ideas, overcoming mathematical problems, and developing new models that can eventually be applied to real-world situations.

Unlike certain degree programs that are best taken on-site, math programs can be taken online. In fact, there are numerous universities that offer a wholly online program or a hybrid program. This is possible because there are now software and applications that enable instructors to write formulas and draw models as they would on a traditional chalkboard.

That is a game-changer for students who may find on-site learning to be economically restrictive. For example, the median in-state public tuition fee for mathematics degree programs in 2020 was $7,070 (Data USA, 2020). That could be greatly reduced for a student who would take the online route, since they do not have to worry about miscellaneous fees as well as food and lodging expenses. Still, they would get instruction from renowned mathematicians online and engage as if they are in a physical classroom. Moreover, they can enjoy the same access to resources as on-site students like mathematics journals, modeling software, and mathematics-related software. As such, they can flourish with their mathematical research and contribute to the body of knowledge while exploring different math careers.

Can alternative degree pathways lead to high-paying mathematics careers?

While traditional academic trajectories remain indispensable for in-depth theoretical expertise, alternative degree pathways are emerging as viable routes to secure competitive positions within mathematics-driven industries. These programs focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skill sets in shorter timeframes, so that they can meet the rapid demands of evolving market sectors. Increasingly, employers recognize that robust quantitative analysis and problem-solving skills can be effectively developed outside the conventional campus environment. Data shows that candidates from succinct, industry-focused programs often access lucrative roles, thereby expanding the range of successful entry points into high-caliber careers. For a detailed exploration of these opportunities, refer to 2-year degrees that earn the most money.

How do accessible bachelor's degree programs support future mathematical innovators?

The sustainability of mathematical research relies on nurturing talent through accessible foundational degree programs that lower entry barriers without compromising academic rigor. These programs enable a broader demographic to embark on analytical pursuits and build the essential skills necessary for advanced inquiry, seeding a future where research excellence is more widely attainable. In selecting a degree path, candidates might explore what is the easiest degree to get to evaluate options that balance affordability with comprehensive preparation for rigorous mathematical challenges.

Can practical training programs enhance mathematics career outcomes?

Applied mathematics skills, when paired with focused, hands-on training programs, can broaden career opportunities in areas such as finance, technology, and data analytics. Employers increasingly value candidates who demonstrate the practical application of mathematical theories to solve industry-specific challenges. Such programs often offer accelerated pathways into competitive roles, where performance metrics and job readiness are critical. In many cases, the financial rewards of this approach are comparable to those found in vocational routes, as reflected by the average salary after trade school.

Can accelerated master's programs boost research impact?

Pursuing an accelerated master’s degree combines rigorous research training with industry-aligned skill development, offering a pathway to both academic and professional enhancement. These specialized programs emphasize targeted coursework, intensive research projects, and strategic networking, enabling candidates to transition quickly into influential roles within the mathematics field. For those aiming to rapidly consolidate their expertise while remaining competitive, exploring a one year masters degree online option can be a decisive factor in advancing research impact.

Can online mathematics programs uphold the rigor of traditional education?

Modern online mathematics programs are evolving to meet stringent academic standards through interactive tools, dynamic course designs, and real-time assessments. Institutions now integrate comprehensive digital resources that foster collaborative problem-solving and rigorous analytical training. Peer-to-peer engagement, virtual laboratories, and expert mentorship enhance learning outcomes, ensuring that the curriculum consistently aligns with industry benchmarks and advanced research requirements. This approach enables a seamless transition between theoretical foundations and practical applications, thereby positioning online pathways as credible alternatives for future innovators, akin to the easiest online degrees.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For North America, Professor Barry Simon, from California Institute of Technology, US ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists with a high H-index of 113.

Professor Noga Alon from Tel Aviv University, Israel leads the top list in Asia with an H-index of 113 and a world ranking of 2.

For Europe, Professor Pierre-Louis Lions from Collège de France is ranked the first in the region, but he's also listed no. 12 in the world ranking, with an H-index of 102.

For Oceania, Professor Fawang Liu from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia is on top of the list with a world ranking of 89.

Professor Ali H. Bhrawy who is affiliated with Beni-Suef University, Egypt is the first for Africa with a world ranking of 205.

Professor Gauss M. Cordeiro from the Brazilian Federal University of Pernambuco is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 176.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 108 against an average of 55 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 40.

The average number of published articles within the field of mathematics for the 1% scientists in the ranking is 526 against an average of 197 for all 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 88,457 against an average of 18,209 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Donald B. Rubin from Temple University with 309,479 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.