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

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On July 10, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of physics. 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 physics.

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 51,000 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 70 if most of their publications were in the field of physics. 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 physics scientists ranking

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 525 scholars included in 2022 which represents 52.5% of the whole physics scientists ranking.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are the UK (102 scientists or 10.2%), Germany (84 scientists or 8.4%), Italy (42 scientists or 4.2%), France (34 scientists or 3.4%), and Canada (24 scientists or 2.4%).
• 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
• In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the Max Planck Society is the leader, with 39 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
• The top-ranking scientist in physics is Donald P. Schneider from Pennsylvania State University with an h-index of 269.
• American universities constitute 70% of the 10 top leading institutions with the other two represented by institutions being based in Germany, the UK, and Italy.
• The highest cited scientist is Joel Nathan Butler from Fermilab with 413,256 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 230 against an average of 131 for the top 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

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

TOP PHYSICS SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading physics scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 525 scholars included in 2022 which represents 52.5% of the whole ranking. 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.

The United Kingdom ranks second with 102 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 84 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Italy with 42 scientists, France with 34 scientists, Canada with 24 scientists, Australia with 22 scientists, and Japan with 21 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 Max Planck Society is the leader, with 39 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the California Institute of Technology with 38 scientists, and the third place is occupied by Harvard University with 28 scholars.

American universities and institutions constitute 70% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other three representing Germany (Max Planck Society), the UK (University of Cambridge), and Italy (National Institute for Astrophysics).

6 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based outside the USA. These spots are occupied by scientists from King's College London (spot 5), University of Belgrade, Serbia (spot 7), University of Cambridge (spot 8), and Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, Germany (spot 10).

Online physics degree programs enrich research endeavors

Physics is recognized as one of the best college majors because it provides students with a solid foundation for various career paths, including research, engineering, and data analysis. As such, its graduates thrive in various research endeavors, as reflected by our 2022 world ranking of top physics scientists. The ranking shows the significant contributions of physicists in advancing research and innovation. Further enriching physics research is the advent of online degree programs, which have opened new avenues for students and scientists to share insights and collaborate on projects.

Online degrees are a game-changer, offering an equivalent level of comprehensive education and training as their traditional, campus-based counterparts while making higher education more accessible to many, regardless of their location or schedule. Students enrolled in an online physics degree program have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty, access cutting-edge research, and collaborate with peers from different parts of the world. This exposure can broaden their perspectives and encourage them to think critically and creatively, leading to even more innovative breakthroughs in research.

How can open enrollment colleges empower emerging physics scientists?

Emerging physics scientists benefit from flexible academic pathways that integrate rigorous coursework with early exposure to research. Open enrollment colleges facilitate this by removing traditional entry barriers and offering adaptive, quality online programs that nurture analytical skills and innovative thinking. These institutions not only provide advanced learning resources and real-time collaboration tools but also create a diverse academic community that fosters mentorship and industry connections. Such an environment accelerates career growth and research proficiency, helping students transition smoothly into impactful scientific roles. For more information on accessible educational opportunities, visit open enrollment colleges.

How do non-profit universities drive innovation in physics research?

Non-profit universities serve as pivotal hubs for advancing physics research by promoting rigorous academic inquiry and multidisciplinary collaboration. They offer research environments that emphasize long-term investment in scientific exploration and foster partnerships with industry, government, and independent research entities. This model not only supports state-of-the-art facilities and high-caliber faculty appointments but also facilitates intellectual exchanges that pave the way for breakthrough discoveries. Initiatives led by these institutions play a critical role in shaping research policies and curricula, ultimately enhancing the global impact of physics innovation through strategic resource allocation and comprehensive support systems provided by non-profit universities.

How does research funding shape physics innovation and career development?

Robust research funding is pivotal in fostering breakthroughs by enabling researchers to access state-of-the-art instrumentation and engage in multifaceted interdisciplinary projects. Competitive grants and strategic investments not only support the expansion of research facilities but also drive collaborative initiatives across academic, governmental, and private sectors. These dynamic funding models facilitate rapid application of emerging theories into practice, thereby accelerating advancements in experimental and computational methodologies. Furthermore, innovative financing approaches—exemplified by offerings from online colleges no application fee—provide flexible opportunities that empower scientists to explore novel research avenues and enhance their global impact.

How do advanced physics degrees shape career trajectories and research innovation?

A strategic element often underemphasized is the role of specialized graduate programs in elevating career outcomes for physics researchers. Advanced programs deliver rigorous training in both theoretical and experimental practices while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative problem-solving skills. These programs empower graduates with access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and emerging methodologies, enhancing their capacity to contribute to industry breakthroughs and academic excellence. Moreover, the competitive edge afforded by such degrees is reflected in market trends and compensation rates, as evidenced by data on the highest paying graduate degrees.

How can flexible PhD programs drive research innovation?

Flexible PhD programs are increasingly pivotal in expanding access to advanced research opportunities and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in physics. Their structure supports remote and blended learning environments, thereby reducing traditional entry barriers and enabling scholars to integrate diverse perspectives into their work. These programs leverage modern digital platforms and innovative pedagogical approaches to accelerate research developments, ensuring that emerging scientists have the tools and flexibility they need. Institutions offering options like the easiest PhD empower candidates to pursue tailored academic paths that align closely with innovative research trends and career objectives.

How can vocational training complement advanced physics education for broader career opportunities?

Integrating vocational training with advanced physics education offers a practical route for applying theoretical insights to industry challenges. This approach bridges academic rigor with technical proficiency, enhancing real-world problem-solving capabilities and diversifying career options for physics graduates. Complementary vocational programs provide hands-on experience that aligns with evolving market demands, often leading to roles featured among the highest paying vocational jobs. Optimizing the synergy between academic research and technical training can yield professionals who are well-equipped to drive innovation while meeting industry standards.

What role do nationally accredited online colleges play in advancing physics research?

The digital transformation in higher education has enabled online institutions to offer comprehensive curricula that integrate advanced research methodologies with flexible learning. Such programs foster collaboration across borders and provide access to state-of-the-art digital resources, encouraging innovative problem-solving in complex physics domains. These environments bolster academic rigor while accommodating diverse learning needs, positioning graduates to contribute meaningfully to evolving research landscapes. For a detailed overview of these opportunities, explore our article on nationally accredited online colleges.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For North America, Professor Donald P. Schneider from Pennsylvania State University is on top of the list with a world ranking of no. 1 as well. His h-index is 269.

Professor Bobby Samir Acharya from King's College London leads the top list in Europe with a world ranking of 5 as well. His h-index is 223.

For Asia, Professor Subir Sarkar from Jadavpur University, India is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 199. He's also listed as no. 26 in the world ranking.

Professor Matt J. Jarvis from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa ranks as the first scientist in Africa, with a world ranking of 70.

Professor Maria-Teresa Dova from the National University of La Plata, Argentina is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 123.

For Oceania, Professor Joss Bland-Hawthorn from the University of Sydney, Australia ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region. He's also listed as no. 206 in the world ranking.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 230 against an average of 131 for the top 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 102.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 1493 against an average of 556 for the top 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 296,464 against an average of 89,161 for the top 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Joel Nathan Butler from Fermilab with 413,256 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.