Clarivate announced the Citation Laureates 2026, honoring 22 researchers whose work has been identified as Nobel‑class by experts at the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI). These individuals were selected for pioneering contributions that continue to influence science and society. Since the program began, 89 Citation Laureates have later received Nobel Prizes.
The program highlights foundational research papers that rank among the most highly cited in their fields. The 2026 Laureates advanced knowledge in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics. Their work includes GLP‑1 biology and obesity treatment, optical imaging, immune system research, OLED displays, energy‑efficient computing materials, quantum electronics, nanomaterials, electron transfer in proteins, precision gene editing, and studies of the digital economy and monetary policy.
Among the most visible discoveries recognized this year are those underpinning GLP‑1 medicines. Daniel J. Drucker, Jens Juul Holst, and Svetlana Mojsov were honored for their foundational research that enabled GLP‑1 receptor agonist therapies, which have transformed treatment for diabetes and obesity and continue to show benefits across additional health conditions. Drucker explained that the recognition reflects the impact of curiosity‑driven research, noting that initial studies of gut hormones regulating metabolism ultimately led to therapies improving millions of lives.
The 2026 Laureates are affiliated with institutions in seven countries, including the United States, Canada, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Mainland China, and Switzerland. Sixteen of the honorees are based in the United States.
Since 2002, ISI analysts have used publication and citation data from the Web of Science Core Collection to identify Nobel‑class researchers. Out of more than 67 million articles and proceedings indexed since 1970, fewer than 0.02% have been cited more than 2,000 times. Citation Laureates are selected from this group through rigorous citation analysis and expert review.
While the program does not aim to predict Nobel Prize recipients in a specific year, it highlights researchers whose work demonstrates exceptional influence and global significance.
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