World Ranking of Top Social & Humanities Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On June 2, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of social sciences and humanities. 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 humanities and social sciences.

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 10,000 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 30 if most of their publications were in the field of humanities or social 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 social & humanities scientists ranking

• Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 497 scholars included in 2022 which represents 49.7% of the whole scientists ranking.
• The other leading countries with leading positions in the ranking are the UK (193 scientists or 19.3%), Australia (72 scientists or 7.2%), Canada (58 scientists or 5.8%), the Netherlands (39 scientists or 3.9%), and Germany (25 scientists or 2.5%).
• 6 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 31 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking.
• The top-ranking scientist in humanities & social science is Pierre Bourdieu from Collège de France with an h-index of 142.
• American universities constitute 80% of the 10 top leading institutions with the other two being institutions based in the UK and Canada.
• The highest cited scientist is Pierre Bourdieu from Collège de France with 438,049 citations.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 125 against an average of 65 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

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

TOP HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading humanities & social scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 497 scholars included in 2022 which represents 49.7% of the whole ranking. 6 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States as well.

The United Kingdom ranks second with 193 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Australia, which currently has 72 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Canada with 58 scientists, the Netherlands with 39 scientists, Germany with 25 scientists, France with 11 scientists, and Sweden with 11 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 role do alternative doctoral pathways play in research advancement?

Alternative doctoral pathways have emerged as a strategic option for researchers seeking accelerated academic progression and unique research opportunities. These non-traditional routes can offer flexible curricula that emphasize practical applications and interdisciplinary approaches, fostering innovation and broad collaboration. For instance, candidates investigating streamlined doctoral tracks may explore programs like what is the easiest PhD to get to gain timely access to advanced research environments while balancing academic and professional demands.

How do economic considerations influence research career choices?

Economic factors significantly shape the decision-making process in selecting a research-focused or vocational career pathway. Individuals compare potential earnings, growth prospects, and long-term financial benefits to determine the most suitable trajectory for their professional development. For instance, analyzing comparative financial outcomes, such as the average salary of college graduate vs trade school, helps inform choices between pursuing advanced academic research and alternative educational paths. This evaluation further assists stakeholders in aligning educational investments with career objectives while maintaining competitiveness within evolving global markets.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

In the 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the leader, with 31 scientists affiliated with that institution included in the ranking. Ranking second is the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with 21 scientists, and the third place is occupied by Stanford University with 17 scholars.

American universities and institutions constitute 80% of the top 10 leading institutions with the other two representing the UK (University of Oxford), and Canada (University of Toronto).

4 out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based outside the USA, including the very first one in the world ranking – Collège de France.

How do research achievements translate into tangible career benefits?

Empirical evidence indicates that exceptional research outputs—reflected in high h-index scores, extensive citation counts, and international collaborative projects—can drive access to competitive funding opportunities, prestigious academic appointments, and industry partnerships that enhance career trajectories. Strategic alignment with recognized global rankings not only bolsters academic credibility but also creates pathways to roles offering superior remuneration and benefits, as seen in analyses linking educational success to outcomes for the most lucrative majors.

Enriching research through online social sciences and humanities degree programs

A joint research effort by Wiley Education Services and Aslanian Market Research found that online college students in the United States show a strong interest in the social sciences and humanities. Specifically, 16% of undergraduate and graduate students choose social sciences, while 11% enroll in humanities programs. The advent of online degree programs has revolutionized research in these fields, offering students pursuing social science careers a unique opportunity to collaborate with global instructors and gain diverse perspectives and experiences, irrespective of geographical barriers.

Online social work degree programs also benefit students who aim to engage in research and contribute to these fields' growth. They get unique opportunities to gain international insights and exposure to diverse peers and professors. Collaborating with diverse individuals, these students can dive into research that can contribute to meaningful changes that promote the betterment of humanity. This innovative approach to social work education equips students with the knowledge and skills to become community leaders and make a lasting impact on society.

How can professional certifications elevate research impact?

Professional certifications serve as a strategic tool to augment research capabilities by complementing traditional academic achievements with targeted, skills-based training. They provide a framework for applying innovative methodologies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing analytical expertise. Researchers who pursue specialized credentials—particularly through online certificate schools—can effectively strengthen methodological rigor, validate emerging skills, and enhance their profiles in both academic and professional arenas.

How can these rankings influence career advancement in social sciences and humanities?

The detailed ranking data not only highlights scholarly excellence but also provides a framework for informed career decisions. Academic institutions, funding bodies, and industry leaders increasingly reference such metrics to identify potential collaborators and emerging research trends. Integrating specialized certifications—such as BCBA certification online—and targeted professional development programs can further enhance career trajectories and open doors to interdisciplinary partnerships. This focused insight enables both established researchers and emerging professionals to align their growth strategies with current global opportunities and industry demands.

What criteria determine the excellence of online social sciences and humanities programs?

Evaluating the quality of online programs in social sciences and humanities involves a detailed review of several key factors. Accreditation and curriculum rigor ensure that the program meets baseline educational standards while emphasizing innovative research and interdisciplinary approaches. Faculty expertise, student support, and technology infrastructure contribute to a robust digital learning environment that mirrors the depth of classroom engagement. Comparative analyses from independent platforms, such as programs from the best online schools, further assist in assessing program reliability and overall academic value.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

For Europe, Professor Pierre Bourdieu from Collège de France is on top of the list with a world ranking of no. 1 as well. His h-index is 142.

For North America, Professor Herbert A. Simon from the Carnegie Mellon University, United States is ranked first in the region, with an H-index of 139. He's also listed as no. 2 in the world ranking.

For Oceania, Professor Robert Costanza from the Australian National University ranks 1st on our list of leading scientists in that region. He's also listed as no. 9 in the world ranking with an h-index of 110.

Professor Lucy Gilson from the University of Cape Town, South Africa leads the top list in Africa with a world ranking of 30 as well.

Professor Kwok Leung from the University of San Andrés, Argentina is the highest-ranking scientist from Asia with a world ranking of 328.

Professor Carlos Augusto Monteiro from Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 214.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 125 against an average of 65 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 53.

The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 333 against an average of 179 for all 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 129,033 against an average of 28,930 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Pierre Bourdieu from Collège de France with 438,049 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.