Scientists from the University of the Free State (UFS) have been recognised among the World's Top 2% of Scientists for 2024, according to the recently released World's Top 2% Scientists list by Stanford University. This list, compiled in partnership with Elsevier using data from Scopus, highlights researchers making significant contributions in their respective fields who are world-class.

The ranking recognises the most distinguished and influential scientists globally and is based on standardised citation parameters, h-index, co-author corrected hm-index, article citations based on author positions, as well as a composite indicator.

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation says: "The coveted Stanford-Elsevier list showcases top-notch scholars globally in the fields of science, engineering, business, public affairs, and the human sciences. We at the UFS are filled with pride and excitement to see our scholars who are making a positive mark in global research efforts."

Prof Abdon Atangana from the UFS Institute for Groundwater is again the highest-ranked scientist from the institution included in this list. He is ranked 391 in the world and second out of 2 1237 authors in the SubField (Applied Mathematics). Prof Karl Peltzer, Research Fellow in the Department Psychology, is ranked 4 806 in the world. He is ranked 47 out of 69 595 authors in the SubField 1 (Public Health).

Prof Reddy adds "The UFS is filled with immense inspiration and joy to celebrate our academics whose vision and dedication must serve as a true inspiration for all of us collectively at UFS. You are people, through your ideas and research, who drive real-world solutions to complex wicked problems and challenges."

Newcomers

Prof Felicity Burt, Principal Medical Scientist in the Division of Virology at the National Health Laboratory Service and the UFS and current South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Pathogens Research; Prof Yonas T Bahta, Professor in the UFS Department of Agricultural Economics; Dr Andronicus Akinyelu, a lecturer of Computer Science and Informatics; Prof Abiodun A Ogundeji from Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC); and Dr Marieka Gryzenhout, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Genetics, were included in the prestigious list for the first time.

Dr Gryzenhout, who is rated 410 764 in the world and 578 out of 26 928 authors in the SubField 1 (Mycology & Parasitology), says her inclusion in the list is a surprise "because there are truly prolific and renowned researchers out there with impressive publication records and impactful research".

She contributes her inclusion to impactful and relevant research that are cited over a long period of time. However, also networking, because often large research network-based publications draw high numbers of citations due to their impact and importance.

Dr Gryzenhout is researching various aspects of medicinal mushrooms, including psychedelic mushrooms, and biodiversity of fungi.

A remarkable achievement

Dr Anand Krishnan, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology and affiliated to the Office of the Dean and Division of Public Health within the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences, says this prestigious acknowledgment reflects his extensive contributions to the field of nano diagnostic and therapeutic research, as well as his impressive scholarly output, which includes over 127 published articles, one patent filed eight books, and 22 book chapters, solidifying his status as a leading academic not only in South Africa but on the global stage.

Dr Krishnan, National Research Foundation (NRF) Y1-rated researcher who is ranked 218 468 in the world and 1 688 out of 148 458 in the SubField 1 (Pharmacology & Pharmacy), is one of only two South African researchers selected to co-author the latest guidelines for Extracellular Vesicles (EV) research published by the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles. Over a span of three years, he collaborated with 1 051 authors from 53 countries to create the document titled "Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV2023): From Basic to Advanced Approaches".

This comprehensive publication, released in February, aims to elevate EV research by providing standardised guidelines for the production, separation, and characterisation of EVs from various sources.

Dr Krishnan's prolific publication record showcases his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and establishes him as a leader in his field. Reflecting on his recognition, he expressed his pride and gratitude: "Being acknowledged in this elite group is a tremendous honour. It validates my commitment to advancing research in precision medicine and nano diagnostics, with a particular focus on extracellular vesicles, and highlights the significant contributions of my team at UFS. I am proud to represent South Africa on this international platform and to be part of a community dedicated to scientific excellence."

Signifies global recognition

Prof Bahta, an astute National Research Foundation (NRF) C2-rated researcher, has been included on the prestigious list for the first time. He is ranked 229 449 globally and 1674 out of 81496 authors in the SubField 1 (Agronomy & Agriculture).

"I feel proud of myself for achieving this in a short period. I was employed at UFS in 2014 before I was in the industry, and this achievement is not only for me but for my fellow young researchers, for my department, and for my university. I think it is a good start to recognise my work to excel more. This achievement would not have been possible without the assistance of my postgraduate students (honours, Master's, and PhDs).

"Being named in the Top 2% signifies global recognition for research excellence and enhances a scientist's reputation within academia and industry. This distinction can open doors to increased funding, collaborations, and speaking opportunities at international conferences. Additionally, the ranking provides visibility across diverse disciplines, showcasing work that may otherwise remain underappreciated," he says.

This is yet another recognition for Prof Bahta, who received a few international awards as well as being part of Sigma Xi (the Scientific Research Honour Society) and the International Research Scientist Awards (IRS).

Says Prof Bahta: "Specifically, my citations and aggressive publishing of scientific articles have put me in the picture. On average, I manage to publish 10-12 articles per year. For example, so far this year, I have published 13 scientific articles (two-three in the pipeline might be published this year), one conference proceedings' article published, one chapter in a book in the final stage of publication and presenting my work in two international conferences with the alignment of Vision 130."

His current research involves a Water Research Commission (WRC) project (Project title: "Assessing the Social and Economic Impact of Changed Water Use Behaviour in Food Production in South Africa) and the Resilience of Commercial Livestock Farmers to Agricultural Drought in the Northern Cape province of South Africa", which is sponsored by the UFS.

Collaboration with international colleagues

According to Prof Charles Haddad, Associate Professor in Department of Zoology and Entomology, who is ranked 1 057 476 in the world and 742 out of 17 009 authors in the SubField 1 (Zoology), it is a great honour being included in the World's Top 2% Scientists' list. "But this was only possible because of collaborative work with several international colleagues and high productivity regarding scientific publications."

This is the third time Prof Haddad, who does research on spider taxonomy, biodiversity and ecology has made it on the list: in 2021 (rank 645 823) and 2022 (822 007).

He is currently working on projects looking at the biodiversity and species turnover of spiders along two transects in South Africa, a latitudinal transect in the Succulent Karoo Biome in the western interior (with South African collaborators), and a longitudinal study of fynbos and forest leaf litter spiders along the southern mountains of the country (with UFS Research Associate Dr Danilo Harms from Germany).

Other UFS scientists included in the single-year data set:

    Prof John M. Carranza (Geology, 5 259)
    Prof Muhammad Altaf Khan (Applied Mathematics, 23 035)
    Prof Melanie Walker (Centre for Development Support, 45 614)
    Prof Hendrik Swart (Physics, 51 405)
    Prof Brownhilder Neneh (Business Management, 55 867)
    Dr Kashif Ali Abro (Applied Mathematrics, 56 321)
    Dr Bradley Ridoutt (Agricultural Economics, 57 870)
    Prof John Owen (Centre for Development Support, 57 937)
    Prof Jeanet Conradie (Chemistry, 63 722)
    Prof Maxim Finkelstein (Statistics/ Mathematical Statistics, 76 828)
    Dr Seda Igret Araz (Applied Mathematics,99 541)
    Dr Kovo G Akpomie (Chemistry, 118 903)
    Prof Maryke Labuschagne (Plant Sciences,128 714)
    Prof Johan Grobbelaar (Plant Sciences, 145 884)
    Prof Deborah Posel (Sociology, 158 042)
    Prof David Motaung (Physics, 168 727)
    Prof Andrew Marston (Chemistry, 206 048)
    Prof RE Kroon (Physics, 294 119)
    Dr Yuri Marusik (Zoology and Entomology, 627 841)

The career-long data set includes the names of:

    Prof Atangana (3 985)
    Prof Peltzer (9 861)
    Prof Carranza (15 238)
    Prof Louis Scott (Palaeontology, 55 996)
    Prof Walker (69 878)
    Prof Grobbelaar (73 955)
    Prof Swart (90 903)
    Prof Robert Schall (Pharmacology and Pharmacy, 91 632)
    Prof Andrew Marston (Chemistry, 93 813)
    Prof HA Snyman (Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, 95 354)
    Prof Finkelstein (113 986)
    Robert WM Frater Cardiovascular Research Centre (118 326)
    Prof Johan Visser (Geology, 127 447)
    Prof Khan (137 516)
    Dr Ridoutt (148 202)
    Prof Conradie (155 242)
    Prof Posel (169 254)
    Prof Labuschagne (228 016)
    Prof Owen (230 036)
    Prof Robert Cryer (Public Law, 250 277)
    Dr Abro (264 210)
    Prof Haddad (710 764)

Prof Yonas T Bahta

Prof Abiodun A Ogundeji

Prof Charles Haddad

Dr Anand Krishnan

Dr Marieka Gryzenhout

Prof Abdon Atangana

Prof Felicity Burt