Researchers from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have been featured among the world’s leading scientists, highlighting the University’s commitment to research excellence and global collaboration. As many as 82 UJ researchers have been named in the latest report on the World’s Top 2% Scientists released by Stanford University, in collaboration with Elsevier.
The annual global list, released on 19 September 2025, identifies the world’s most influential scientific minds based on comprehensive and standardised citation data drawn from Elsevier’s Scopus database and analysed by Stanford researchers. Scientists qualify either by being in the top 2% in their field or among the top 100,000 globally by composite c-score (with and without self-citations). The methodology incorporates multiple bibliometric indicators, including citations, h-index, and adjusted co-authorship measures.
A global benchmark of excellence
The list spans 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields and represents the top 2% of the nearly 9 million researchers worldwide. UJ’s inclusion of 82 scientists places the university among Africa’s most research-active institutions, reinforcing its commitment to impactful scholarship.
UJ’s recognised scientists represent all faculties, underscoring the university’s breadth of expertise — from engineering and health sciences to natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Their research speaks directly to some of society’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, health innovation, sustainable development, and social transformation.
- Access the full UJ list here
Recognition beyond numbers
UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, said the achievement reflects the robustness of UJ in the research and innovation space, especially its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in its academic work.
“It is a matter of immense pride that as many as 82 of our researchers have been recognised among the world’s top 2% scientists. This reflects our academic strength, dedication, and excellence across our faculties, research centres and institutes to contributing to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Prof Mpedi also emphasised the University’s “commitment to using research and innovation for societal impact and sustainability”.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, described the achievement as a milestone for UJ.
“To see 82 of our colleagues ranked among the world’s top scientists is both a proud moment and a reflection of UJ’s mission to produce research with real-world impact. It shows that our work resonates not only locally but also on the global stage.”
She added that this recognition affirms UJ’s growing stature as a hub of global knowledge production and highlights the university’s commitment to advancing research excellence that makes a difference in society.
