World Ranking of Top Plant & Agronomy Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On April 18, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of plant science and agronomy 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 plant and agronomy 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 2,500 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 plant and agronomy 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 plant & agronomy scientists ranking

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 268 scholars included in 2022 which represents 26.8% of the whole plant & agronomy scientists ranking.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are Australia (98 scientists or 9.8%), the UK (88 scientists or 8.8%), Germany (60 scientists or 6.0%), Canada (53 scientists or 5.3%), and China (51 scientists or 5.1%)
• Only 2 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
• In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the US Agricultural Research Service is the leader, with 28 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
• The top-ranking scientist in plant & agronomy science is Graham D. Farquhar from the Australian National University with an h-index of 123.
• American universities constitute only 2 out of 10 top leading institutions with other represented institutions being based in Spain, the UK, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, China, and Sweden.
• The highest cited scientist is Graham D. Farquhar from the Australian National University with 78,633 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 116 against an average of 56 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2022 list of top plant & agronomy scientists can be found here:

TOP PLANT & AGRONOMY SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading plant & agronomy scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 268 scholars included in 2022 which represents 26.8% of the whole ranking. However, only 2 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.

Australia ranks second with 98 scientists.

The third spot was taken by the United Kingdom, which currently has 88 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Germany with 60 scientists, Canada with 53 scientists, China with 51 scientists, Spain with 49 scientists, and France with 35 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 are the emerging career pathways in plant and agronomy research?

Research and industry sectors are increasingly valuing professionals who combine technical expertise with a flexible educational background. Graduates can transition into roles that span research and development, advisory services in sustainable agriculture, and technical management of innovative agronomy projects. Complementary credentials, including accelerated online associate degrees, enhance practical competencies and expedite entry into high-demand positions. This evolving landscape emphasizes a balance between rigorous research proficiency and adaptive, industry-relevant skills.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

In the 2022 edition of our ranking, the US Agricultural Research Service is the leader, with 28 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the University of California, Davis with 25 scientists, and the third place is occupied by the University of Western Australia with 23 scholars.

American universities constitute only 20% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other ones representing Australia, Spain, China, Canada, Netherlands, and Sweden.

Only 2 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based in the USA. The other top spots are occupied by scientists from the Australian National University (1st spot), Utrecht University (3rd spot), Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (4th spot), and Rothamsted Research (6th spot).

Online degree offerings promote research in plant and agriculture

Institutions that offer online delivery of various types of college degrees are contributing to the advancement of research. Specifically, in the field of agronomy, students work closely with agronomy professors and participate in agronomy research including crop and biotechnology genetics, sustainable cropping practices, and crop management and protection.

Professors who are national and international leaders in their research areas provide field and laboratory experiences that complement online collaborations, strengthening the research skills of students in the process. As global food consumption increases, food security becomes one major concern. Plant and agriculture scientists will play a major role in ensuring that countries will have sufficient food sources. Worryingly, for example, Economic Research Service (ERS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers found that food-insecure people in 2022 reached 1.3 billion.

Agronomy graduates take on biotechnology careers that open opportunities for them to participate in research on agroecology, genetics and translational genomics, and plant breeding. Through online universities that offer these learning experiences to students, interest in research towards advancing knowledge in the field is continually enhanced. Plant and agronomy scientists provide online learning platforms such as those offered by the American Society of Agronomy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that there will be at least 4,100 job openings for agricultural and food scientists from 2021-2031.

How does online education foster innovation in plant and agronomy research?

Online education cultivates a versatile research environment by offering access to digital tools, remote laboratories, and simulation platforms that complement conventional fieldwork. Integrating virtual classrooms and advanced e-learning modules allows researchers to participate in real‐time data analysis and collaborative projects across geographical boundaries. This approach equips professionals with the ability to continuously update critical skills and leverage state-of-the-art resources provided by best online universities, promoting agile adaptation to evolving challenges in plant and agronomy science.

How are interdisciplinary collaborations shaping plant and agronomy research?

Collaborative initiatives that bridge plant and agronomy science with related disciplines are emerging as a key driver of innovation. Such cross-sector partnerships facilitate access to diverse funding streams, shared research infrastructure, and complementary expertise that accelerates problem-solving in areas like climate resilience and sustainable crop production. Notably, remote education models—as exemplified by online pharmacy schools—demonstrate how digital platforms can support interdisciplinary learning and research collaborations beyond traditional academic boundaries.

What funding opportunities are available for plant and agronomy research?

A diverse set of funding mechanisms is driving innovation in plant and agronomy research. Researchers can access government grants, international research funds, and private sector partnerships that target sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security. Funding bodies often prioritize novel methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches, urging scholars to align their projects with emerging global challenges. Furthermore, staying informed about competitive calls for proposals and grant renewals is crucial for securing sustained research investment. Prospective students and early-career researchers may also leverage flexible educational options via online colleges with no application fee to build the competencies required to excel in a dynamic funding landscape.

What role do technical and vocational training programs play in advancing plant and agronomy careers?

In addition to traditional academic pathways, technical and vocational training programs cultivate practical skills essential for immediate industry impact. These programs emphasize real-world applications, equipment proficiency, and on-site safety—strengthening workforce readiness while complementing theoretical research. They also foster collaborations with industry stakeholders, which can accelerate the integration of innovative practices into plant and agronomy operations. For professionals seeking a rapid entry into high-demand roles, exploring trade school programs that pay well provides a viable alternative to conventional degree pathways, delivering targeted skill sets that align with market needs.

What are some flexible doctoral programs?

Flexible doctoral programs that emphasize interdisciplinary approaches enable researchers to tackle emerging challenges with tailored methodologies and collaborative frameworks. These programs offer a streamlined pathway for integrating advanced research techniques with industry-relevant practices, accelerating the translation of innovative discoveries into impactful applications. Aspiring scholars can benefit from exploring easiest PhD programs that align with global research trends and foster adaptable learning environments.

How important is accreditation in online education for plant and agronomy research?

Accreditation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that online programs maintain rigorous academic standards and research integrity. Institutions that hold credentials from non-profit accredited online universities offer curricula that are regularly evaluated for quality, relevance, and transparency. This certification not only boosts the credibility of the degree but also provides a reliable benchmark for faculty expertise, research infrastructure, and graduate success in competitive fields like plant science and agronomy.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For Oceania, Professor Graham D. Farquhar from Australian National University is on top of the list with a world ranking of no. 1 as well. His h-index is 123.

For North America, Professor Rattan Lal, from The Ohio State University ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region with a high H-index of 122. He's also listed as no. 2 in the world ranking.

For Europe, Professor Pedro W. Crous from the Utrecht University, Netherlands is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 121. He's also listed as no. 3 in the world ranking.

Professor Fusuo Zhang from the China Agricultural University leads the top list in Asia with a world ranking of 7 as well.

Professor Michael J. Wingfield who is affiliated with the University of Pretoria, South Africa is the first in Africa with a world ranking of 23.

Professor Klaus Winter from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 58.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 116 against an average of 56 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 for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 453 against an average of 152 for all 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 52,426 against an average of 12,603 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Graham D. Farquhar from Australian National University with 78,633 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.