UMD Ranked Among Top 20 U.S. Universities for Most Highly Cited Researchers in 2025

Thirty-one University of Maryland scholars have been named to Clarivate’s 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list, an international benchmark recognizing scientists whose work shapes and influences global scholarship. 

UMD ranks No. 17 among U.S universities, No. 7 among U.S. public universities, No. 3 among U.S. institutions without a medical school, and No. 39 worldwide on Clarivate’s list, reflecting the university’s significant research impact, exceptional citation record and commitment to research integrity. 

The analysis by Clarivate, an international data and analytics firm, highlights individuals whose publications rank among the top 1% most cited in their fields, reflecting a broad influence in advancing science, technology and academic innovation. 

“The presence of so many UMD researchers on this list is a powerful affirmation of the creativity, rigor and global impact of our research community,” said Patrick O’Shea, vice president for research. “These scholars are advancing knowledge at the highest levels and helping to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges—from climate resilience to next-generation materials and health policy. Their recognition reflects not only individual excellence but a universitywide commitment to fostering bold ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration.” 

This year, Clarivate awarded 7,131 Highly Cited Researcher designations to 6,868 individuals, representing 0.1% of all scholars worldwide. According to Clarivate’s, this year’s Highly Cited Researchers work in 60 countries and regions.

Current and former UMD researchers on Clarivate’s list include: 

• John Armston, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Ji Chen, Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health
• Long Cheng, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Leon Clarke, Center for Global Sustainability, School of Public Policy
• Jiaqi Dai, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Louis Giglio, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Matthew Hansen, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Emily Hitz, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Singyuk Hou, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Liangbing Hu *, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• George Hurtt, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Chao Jia, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Jianguo Li, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Yudi Kuang, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Page Kyle**, Joint Global Change Research Institute
• Boyang Liu, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Yifei Mo, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Christopher Monroe, Physics, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
• Douglas Morton**, Geographical Sciences/NASA, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Brian O'Neill**, Center for Global Sustainability, School of Public Policy
• Michael Pecht, Mechanical Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering 
• Peter Potapov**, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Roland Rust, Marketing, Robert H. Smith School of Business
• Steven Smith**, Joint Global Change Research Institute
• Xiao-Peng Song, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Ariana Sutton-Grier, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center
• Alexandra Tyukavina, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Eric Vermote**, Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Chunsheng Wang*, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Hhua Xie, Materials Science and Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Chongyin Yang, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering

* Researchers recognized in multiple fields
** Researchers with a secondary affiliation to UMD