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

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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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 psychology. 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 psychology.

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 12,500 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 psychology. 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 psychology scientists ranking

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 625 scholars included in 2022 which represents 53.9% of the whole psychology scientists ranking.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are the UK (116 scientists or 11.6%), the Netherlands (56 scientists or 5.6%), Canada (52 scientists or 5.2%), Australia (46 scientists or 4.6%), and Germany (34 scientists or 3.4%).
• Only 3 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
• In the 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the leader, with 30 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
• The top-ranking scientist in psychology is Trevor W. Robbins from the University of Cambridge, UK with an h-index of 249.
• American universities constitute 70% of the 10 top leading institutions with the other three are represented institutions being based in the UK.
• The highest cited scientist is Richard M. Ryan from the Australian Catholic University with 452,812 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 201 against an average of 98 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

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

TOP PSYCHOLOGY SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading psychology scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 625 scholars included in 2022 which represents 62.5% of the whole ranking. However, only 3 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.

The United Kingdom ranks second with 116 scientists.

The third spot was taken by the Netherlands, which currently has 56 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Canada with 52 scientists, Australia with 46 scientists, Germany with 34 scientists, Italy with 10 scientists, and Belgium with 9 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.

How can undergraduate choices shape impactful psychology research?

A robust undergraduate foundation is pivotal for cultivating research acumen in psychology. Detailed and accessible undergraduate programs can equip emerging scholars with essential analytical and methodological skills, thereby accelerating their transition to advanced research roles. Exploring alternative pathways, such as the easiest BA degree, might offer cost-effective and flexible approaches that encourage early engagement in innovative research methodologies without compromising academic rigor.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

In the 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the leader, with 30 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is King's College London with 26 scientists, and the third place is occupied by Yale University with 22 scholars.

American universities and institutions constitute 70% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other three representing the UK (King's College London, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford).

Only 3 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based outside the USA. The other top spots are occupied by scientists from the UK (spots 1, 2, 3, 4, 6), and (spots 7, 9).

How can diverse career pathways contribute to robust research funding in psychology?

Diverse career trajectories among psychology graduates, including those pursuing applied roles in private industry, public sectors, or entrepreneurial ventures, can serve as catalysts for enhanced research funding and cross-disciplinary initiatives. Such varied pathways often attract partnerships that inform research agendas with real-world applications, while strategic collaborations drive resource optimization and innovative project design. Insights into compensation trends, such as trade school graduate salary, illuminate how industry dynamics can indirectly bolster academic research investments and strengthen long-term funding ecosystems.

How do emerging technologies transform psychology research methodologies?

Integrating advancements such as AI-driven analytics, virtual laboratories, and simulation tools, modern technology is redefining traditional research methods in psychology. Digital innovations streamline complex data analysis and foster seamless interdisciplinary collaborations, enabling researchers to extract deeper insights and broaden their investigative scope. Moreover, dynamic digital platforms complement remote learning environments provided by online colleges, thereby reinforcing methodological precision and facilitating innovative study designs.

How can diverse academic environments drive innovative psychology research?

Diverse academic environments offer tailored support systems and flexible learning modalities that accelerate breakthroughs in psychology research. Leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and specialized institutional frameworks, these settings foster innovative approaches while expanding research participation. For instance, institutions designed to accommodate non-traditional student populations—including military-friendly colleges—exemplify how adaptable academic models can enhance scientific inquiry and broaden the scope of research contributions.

Online psychology degree programs push research boundary

Online psychology degree programs, such as online psychology degree Texas, not only provide students with an option to complete postsecondary education but reinforce research initiatives in the field. For instance, these programs can provide students access to online research databases, journals, and other resources. This can help students stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and learn about new concepts-wherever they are.

With a 62.5% share of the world’s top-ranking scientists in the field of psychology, the U.S., for one, can democratize access to top-tier research mentors worldwide. Because of this online bridge, one can imagine several research-based careers in psychology opening up for a prodigy in Africa, for example, or eager minds in countries outside of our ranking.

Online psychology degree programs are offered in various states across the country, including the best psychology schools in Texas. They may promote interdisciplinary research by providing students with opportunities to collaborate with students and faculty from other fields, such as neuroscience, sociology, and education.

So, when one asks, what can you do with a psychology degree earned via distance learning? One should think of research opportunities, too. No longer limited by distance, online degree students from across the globe can collaborate with ease, and push the research frontier further. This can lead to new insights and discoveries that can only advance the field of psychology.

How can accelerated study programs impact research outcomes?

With the evolution of condensed academic paths, many emerging scholars are opting for expedited learning tracks that combine rigorous coursework with early exposure to research activities. These accelerated study programs are designed to shorten the traditional academic timeline while maintaining scholarly excellence and fostering critical thinking skills necessary for innovative research. By integrating hands-on projects, partnerships with leading institutions, and access to state-of-the-art research tools, such programs encourage students to contribute to dynamic and evolving disciplines sooner. Prospective researchers interested in boosting their credentials and advancing their careers may benefit from exploring accelerated psychology programs, which offer a structured and efficient pathway to achieving competitive research outcomes.

How can accessible PhD programs accelerate early research careers in psychology?

Accessible PhD programs provide a streamlined pathway for emerging scholars to integrate advanced research methodologies into their academic trajectory. These programs foster greater access to specialized resources, mentoring opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration that may otherwise be challenging to secure. By reducing conventional entry barriers and offering structured research frameworks, accessible PhD programs can empower early career researchers to achieve impactful contributions in psychology. For more insights on these opportunities, consider exploring the easiest PhD to get.

How can industry-academia collaborations foster transformative psychology research?

Industry-academia collaborations integrate practical expertise with rigorous academic inquiry, enabling transformative research that addresses real-world challenges. Such partnerships not only streamline access to advanced technologies and innovative funding models but also facilitate the translation of theoretical insights into applied solutions. Leveraging cross-sector resources and networks can lead to novel research methodologies, enhanced data collection strategies, and accelerated project timelines. Additionally, collaborative initiatives provide emerging scholars with opportunities to pursue further education through cheapest online doctorate programs, thereby reinforcing the foundation for sustained scholarly advancements in psychology.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For Europe, Professor Trevor W. Robbins from the University of Cambridge, UK is on top of the list with a world ranking of no. 1 as well. His h-index is 249.

For North America, Professor Terrie E. Moffitt from Duke University, United States is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 196. She's also listed as no. 5 in the world ranking.

For Oceania, Professor Richard M. Ryan from the Australian Catholic University ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region. He's also listed as no. 7 in the world ranking with an h-index of 189.

Professor Michael Harris Bond from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China leads the top list in Asia with a world ranking of 413 as well.

Professor Facundo Manes from Favaloro University, Argentina is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 942.

No scientists from Africa were ranked among the top 1000 scientists.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 201 against an average of 98 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 76.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 618 against an average of 296 for all 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 197,037 against an average of 49,639 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Richard M. Ryan from the Australian Catholic University with 452,812 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.