World Ranking of Top Neuroscientists 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 neuroscience. 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 neuroscience.
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 9,200 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 neuroscience. 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 neuroscientists ranking
- Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 522 scholars included in 2022 which represents 52.2% of the whole neuroscientists ranking.
- The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are the UK (106 scientists or 10.6%), Germany (78 scientists or 7.8%), Canada (51 scientists or 5.1%), Italy (32 scientists or 3.2%), and France (29 scientists or 2.9%)
- 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
- In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the University College London is the leader, with 37 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
- The top-ranking scientist in neuroscience is Trevor W. Robbins from the University of Cambridge with an h-index of 234.
- American universities constitute 80% of the 10 top leading institutions with the only other represented institutions being based in the UK.
- The highest cited scientist is Bruce S. McEwen from Rockefeller University, United States with 216,493 citations.
- The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 204 against an average of 92 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.
The full ranking for the 2022 list of top neuroscientists can be found here:
What challenges and opportunities exist for neuroscience research in underrepresented regions?
Underrepresented regions face challenges such as limited research funding, constrained access to state-of-the-art facilities, and reduced opportunities for international collaboration. These factors may hinder the global visibility and competitive edge of local scientists. However, strategic initiatives like regional partnerships and enhanced digital learning environments can help mitigate these obstacles while fostering innovative research. Prospective neuroscientists in these regions can leverage accelerated academic pathways, such as online PhD programs, to gain critical skills and bridge the educational gap.
What Are the Financial Prospects for Neuroscience Careers?
Neuroscience professionals increasingly find opportunities in sectors beyond academic research, including biotech innovation, pharmaceutical development, and neurotechnology startups. These roles often value a strong analytical background and interdisciplinary skills, offering competitive compensation and accelerated career progression. In some cases, recruitment strategies focus on candidates who combine foundational neuroscience expertise with practical skills acquired through alternative training programs, leading to roles in good-paying medical jobs with little schooling. As private sector investments expand and cross-industry collaborations strengthen, the financial prospects associated with a neuroscience career are becoming more robust and diverse.
Countries with the highest number of leading neuroscientists
Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 522 scholars included in 2022 which represents 55.2% of the whole ranking. 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States and the remaining 4 represent institutions from the UK.
The United Kingdom ranks second with 106 scientists.
The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 78 ranking scientists.
The other leading countries are Canada with 51 scientists, Italy with 32 scientists, France with 29 scientists, the Netherlands with 29 scientists, and Switzerland with 23 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 non-traditional educational routes bolster neuroscience research careers?
While neuroscience has traditionally centered on academic degrees, vocational and technical training can offer complementary expertise for research environments. Alternative educational routes foster hands-on skills in laboratory management, instrumentation, and technical innovation that support advanced research efforts. Such diverse backgrounds can enrich team dynamics and operational effectiveness, proving essential in multi-disciplinary projects where practical problem-solving is key. Moreover, incorporating professionals from trades after high school can strengthen research infrastructure through unique technical contributions and a pragmatic approach to research challenges.
What role do collaborative research networks play in advancing neuroscience?
Collaborative research networks enable the convergence of specialized expertise and the efficient sharing of resources across borders and disciplines. These alliances support coordinated grant applications, joint experimental designs, and the integration of diverse research methodologies that help advance innovation. Such networks not only promote international collaboration but also foster sustainable academic partnerships that enhance both research quality and funding opportunities. Furthermore, online platforms facilitate these cross-institutional connections by leveraging digital tools and resources from the best online colleges, bridging the gap between traditional research models and modern virtual collaborations.
What are the benefits of affordable online education for neuroscience research careers?
Affordable online education opens new pathways for neuroscience professionals by combining flexible course structures with career-relevant content. This approach enables learners to integrate research, clinical practice, and innovative technology skillsets without the conventional financial strain. By aligning coursework with industry standards, these programs support accelerated skill acquisition and timely career enhancements. Prospective students may consider the most affordable online college for working adults to access quality education at a reduced cost while maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience.
Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists
In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the University College London is the leader, with 37 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is Harvard University with 30 scientists, and the third place is occupied by the University of Oxford with 24 scholars.
American universities and institutions constitute 80% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other ones representing the UK (University College London and the University of Oxford ).
6 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based in the USA. The other 4 top spots are occupied by scientists from the United Kingdom.
Online neuroscience degree programs enrich research endeavors
Neuroscience courses are now available online through certificate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. These programs utilize lectures, textbooks, discussions, assignments, homework, and tests that can all be accessed online.
Online neuroscience degree programs also converge with several branches of science that dramatically widen their scope. These branches include medicine, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Even students pursuing an online psychology degree may dabble in neuroscience to discover new knowledge in sensation, perception, memory, learning ability, brain activity, sleep, and neurological diseases.
Graduates of this discipline prosper in neuroscience and STEM careers. They can find work as researchers in medical centers, pharmaceuticals, universities, and the government. Some even pursue graduate degrees to further specialize in research. Our 2022 world ranking of top neuroscientists highlights the meaningful contribution of neuroscientists in achieving innovation.
How do neuroscience rankings influence career advancement and further education?
The annual neuroscience ranking not only benchmarks scholarly impact but also opens pathways for professional growth and advanced educational opportunities. Higher visibility in such rankings can attract increased research funding, foster international collaborations, and influence academic hiring decisions. In parallel, professionals aiming to complement research with clinical expertise may consider specialized training to enhance their contributions to both science and practice. For example, advanced clinical studies through PsyD programs online offer focused training that can integrate seamlessly with neuroscience research, leading to innovative approaches in neuropsychological assessment and mental health.
What role do undergraduate programs play in shaping neuroscience research careers?
Undergraduate education lays the critical groundwork for developing analytical skills, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration that are essential in neuroscience. High-quality undergraduate programs offer hands-on laboratory experiences and exposure to cutting-edge research, which can significantly influence long-term career trajectories. Evaluating program curricula, faculty expertise, and research opportunities allows prospective scholars to build a robust academic foundation before advancing to specialized studies. For example, students may explore programs such as the easiest bachelors to get to find accessible entry points that effectively prepare them for competitive research environments.
H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution
For Europe, Professor Trevor W. Robbins from the University of Cambridge is on top of the list with a world ranking of no. 1 as well. His h-index is 234.
For North America, Professor Bruce S. McEwen from Rockefeller University, United States is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 223. He's also listed as no. 3 in the world ranking.
Professor John R. Hodges from the University of Sydney, Australia leads the top list in Oceania with a world ranking of 17 as well.
For Asia, Professor Masahiko Watanabe from Hokkaido University, Japan ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region. He's also listed as no. 181 in the world ranking.
Professor Ivan Izquierdo from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 297.
No African scholars made it to the top 1000 neuroscientists list in 2022.
The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 204 against an average of 92 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 67.
The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 716 against an average of 256 for all 1000 scholars.
The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 159,666 against an average of 37,366 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Bruce S. McEwen from Rockefeller University, United States with 216,493 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.
