Seventeen researchers from UW–Madison, including biochemistry professor John Ralph, were recently recognized on the Institute for Scientific InformationTM list of Highly Cited Researchers 2021. The list identifies scientists and social scientists who have demonstrated significant influence through publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade.
Researchers are selected for their publication record in one or more of 21 fields (those used in the Essential Science IndicatorsTM), or across several fields. To determine the 2021 honorees, the Web of Science analyzed papers published and cited between 2010 and 2020, determining which authors ranked in the top 1% of cited papers.
“Academia uses citation count as one metric among many to measure research impact and productivity,” explains Cynthia Czajkowski, associate vice chancellor for research in the biological sciences. “Citation number is important for the university in terms of prestige and rankings but citations also point to who is building on your work and potentially identify future collaborators. It’s also exciting to see how others are using your research and what new ideas might be generated from it.”