NTU Singapore scientists named among most influential researchers in the world

Scientists in a broad range of fields from NTU Singapore have been recognised on a list of the most influential researchers in the world.

Thirty-six researchers from the University with significant and broad influence in their fields of research are named on the 2024 Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate, a United Kingdom-based data company.

These 36 NTU researchers account for 38 mentions on the list, with two individuals honoured twice.

According to Clarivate, only one in 1,000 of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists are highly cited researchers.

Close to three in five NTU researchers on Clarivate’s list this year are cited for their contributions in interdisciplinary research.

This speaks to the headway the University has made in a key aim of its five-year NTU 2025 strategic plan – to support high-impact interdisciplinary research to address grand challenges that humanity faces, which includes mitigating our impact on the environment, and responding to the needs and challenges of healthy living and ageing.

Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates the world’s most influential scientists for their impact on the research community, based on the rate at which their work has been cited by others over the last decade. For 2024, there are more than 6,600 international scientists from nearly 60 countries and regions on the list.

Who’s who of influential researchers

Scientists on Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list are those whose research publications are among the top 1 per cent, based on the number of citations for their fields and year. Researchers from about 20 disciplines are considered, including computer science, molecular biology and genetics, economics and business, as well as the social sciences.

NTU scientists from this year’s list focus on research in areas such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, clean energy, clinical medicine, materials science and quantum technologies. Almost three in five of them, or 21 out of 36, are recognised for their interdisciplinary research.

On the list are senior University leaders Prof Joseph Sung, Senior Vice President (Health and Life Sciences) and Dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Prof Lee Pooi See, Vice President (International Engagement); Prof Warren Chan, Dean of the College of Engineering; Prof Madhavi Srinivasan, Executive Director of the Energy Research Institute @ NTU; and Prof Yeong Wai Yee, Chair of the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Two NTU researchers are among only 216 scientists globally recognised for their contributions in two research areas on Clarivate’s list – Prof Pu Kanyi and Prof Zhao Yanli, both from the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. They are named for their research in chemistry and materials science.

Prof Pu’s research covers molecular imaging and chemical biology, such as for producing tools made of biochemicals for diagnosing diseases and medical therapy. Prof Zhao’s work focuses on developing integrated systems for diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as porous materials for sustainable catalysis.

The full list of NTU scientists named by Clarivate as Highly Cited Researchers in 2024 can be found here.