The San Francisco area has long been known for its pioneering spirit in technology and innovation, and now, UC San Diego is putting another feather in the region's cap. The institution has made headlines for its significant presence on the 2024 Highly Cited Researchers list from Clarivate, with a noteworthy 56 researchers earning recognition. This placement solidifies UC San Diego's 9th rank globally, putting it on par with The Max Planck Society in Germany and topping the list as the highest-ranked public research university in the United States.
It's no small feat, considering the global scope of the list which features 6,636 researchers from institutions in 59 countries and regions. UC San Diego distinguished itself within the University of California system, being the only one within the UC campuses to break into the top 10 — a subtle nod to the institution's relentless pursuit of excellence and high-impact research. Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla didn't mince words about the achievement, "We are thrilled but not surprised to see UC San Diego once again ranked among the top institutions for Highly Cited Researchers worldwide." Khosla's confidence is backed by several of UC San Diego’s researchers, including four, being lauded in multiple fields.
However, the accolades for UC San Diego aren't just about academic prowess. They also underscore the university's knack for marrying research with real-world applications. Joseph Wang, one of the recognized researchers, is deeply involved in cutting-edge projects ranging from wearable ultrasound devices for monitoring muscle activity to developing microrobots for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatments. The underscored synergy between innovation and research at UC San Diego is encapsulated by Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Corinne Peek-Asa, "It is no coincidence that many of UC San Diego’s highly cited researchers are also highly successful entrepreneurs," she said in a statement obtained by UC San Diego, acknowledging the direct line from lab discovery to market solutions.
Among the stars at UC San Diego, there are standouts, like Rob Knight, who is not simply contributing to but reshaping the field of microbiome research. Recognized in multiple categories, he joins a select group of just 22 researchers worldwide to be honored in three or more fields. In a similar vein, Pieter Dorrestein's work in microbiome language decoding is set to revolutionize approaches to human health. Dorrestein's name has been a constant feature in this list, notching seven consecutive years as a Highly Cited Researcher.
The implications of this honor extend beyond individual lauds; they offer a reflection of the university's standing in the global academic community, impacting its presence on rankings like the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Indeed, UC San Diego's position as 3rd among U.S. public universities in the ARWU's 2024 rankings speaks volumes. These recognitions pivot on substantial metrics, a clear testament to the enduring pursuit of cutting-edge research that is impactful, globally respected, and most importantly, influential in shaping a better future for society.
