Clarivate has issued its annual Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list, an assessment designed to identify individuals whose research has demonstrated substantial and far-reaching influence. Analysts from the Institute for Scientific Information evaluated data from the Web of Science Core Collection, applying a combination of quantitative indicators and qualitative review to determine which researchers have made measurable contributions recognized across the global research community. The 2025 list features 6,868 individuals earning 7,131 awards across more than 1,300 institutions in 60 countries and regions.
The list provides a detailed view of the worldwide distribution of top research talent. The United States leads with 2,670 awards, representing 37% of the total and marking a slight increase that reverses an earlier decline. Mainland China holds second place with 1,406 awards, accounting for 20% of the total; while its absolute numbers have grown, its share of the global total has decreased slightly.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the top institution worldwide with 258 awards. The United Kingdom ranks third with 570 awards, followed by Germany with 363, Australia with 312, and Canada with 227. Switzerland has reentered the top 10, and Hong Kong SAR has continued its upward trajectory, increasing from 134 awards in 2024 to 145 in 2025 and securing 2% of the global total.
This year’s honorees come from 60 countries and regions, but 86% of awards are concentrated within just 10 of them, and 75% within the top five. The Essential Science Indicators fields account for 3,562 researcher awards, with 227 individuals recognized in two or more fields and 31 in three or more. Cross-field awards were given to 3,569 researchers, reflecting continued interdisciplinary influence.
Amid heightened scrutiny of scientific literature, the program has expanded its verification processes to reinforce research integrity. The 2025 methodology incorporates additional layers of review to ensure that recognition reflects meaningful and responsible contributions to the scientific record.
Click here to read the original press release.
