ATU researchers recognised in the world's top 2% science rankings

In a significant achievement for Atlantic Technological University (ATU), five of its researchers have been named among the World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists, according to an updated analysis by Emeritus Professor John Ioannidis from Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier BV and SciTech Strategies Inc. This prestigious recognition places these researchers among the most influential figures in their respective fields globally.

The rankings, based on data from Scopus, the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature, assess scientists’ impact by using standardised citation metrics. The evaluation takes into account career-long performance as well as impact in a single recent year (2023 in this case). This list is part of a comprehensive study of over 100,000 scientists and represents the top 2% globally, in terms of citation influence.

The ATU researchers who have earned this distinction are:

Suresh C. Pillai – Nanotechnology, Advanced Oxidation, Energy Materials

Mary Garvey – Microbiology, Toxicology

Eoin Ó Colgáin – Mathematical physics, cosmology

João Frias – Plastic and microplastic pollution, ocean literacy and behaviour change

Upaka Rathnayake – Water resources management, climate change and soft computing techniques

Each of these researchers has demonstrated outstanding contributions to scientific knowledge, making a significant impact in areas such as (Nanotechnology, Energy Materials, Toxicology, Microbiology, microplastic pollution, water resources management, climate change and soft computing techniques) Their work not only advances academic understanding but also addresses pressing global challenges, reinforcing ATU’s position as a leading institution for research and innovation.

The recognition is based on the August 2024 “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators,” curated by Professor John P.A. Ioannidis and his team at Stanford University. The database classifies scientists into 22 major fields and 174 sub-fields and provides percentile rankings for over 100,000 scientists. The rankings focus on key metrics such as the h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index (a measure of productivity and citation impact), and a composite citation indicator known as the c-score, which accounts for both the quality and quantity of citations, as well as the roles authors play in multi-author papers.

The inclusion of five ATU researchers in this list of the World’s Top Scientists highlights the university’s growing influence in the research community.

While these ATU researchers have made an impact on a global scale, their work also has important implications for the local community and region with research carried out in such fields as (Net-zero carbon, Sustainability, ocean literacy, climate change, water resources management, toxicology, microbiology) . ATU is known for its deep connections with industry and local stakeholders, working to apply research innovations to real-world challenges.

The inclusion of these researchers in the World’s Top 2% further elevates ATU’s standing in the academic world and opens new opportunities for collaboration, funding, and research partnerships.

Atlantic Technological University provides postgraduate programmes and MBA degrees for those looking to further their education.

Pursuing a postgraduate opportunity in Atlantic Technological University will enable you to deepen your knowledge and develop your skills, compliment your undergraduate degree or enhance career direction. All ATU taught programmes have an applied focus and are directed at the needs of the employment market in Ireland and beyond. Research programmes are also available with ATU having particular research strengths in the areas of marine and freshwater science, biomedical engineering, and energy for the built environment.

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