Eight of the most influential researchers worldwide conduct their research at Ulm University. The analysis published by the Web of Science Group ranks these scientists among the top 1% by citations in specialist publications – demonstrating the significance of their research.
Several of the scientists listed from Ulm are 'regulars', plus one newcomer. Professor Martin Plenio, Director of the Institute of Theoretical Physics, and Professor Fedor Jelezko, Director of the Institute of Quantum Optics, make an appearance once again as two of the world's most cited researchers in the field of physics. Together, the multiple award-winning physicists have established a new field of research at the interface between quantum technology and biomedical sciences. They are on a mission to improve sensors and imaging methods such as MRI, for which they frequently utilise artificial nanodiamonds. Also regular names on the list are Professor Heiko Braak and Dr. Dr. Kelly Del Tredici-Braak. The couple are the originators of the so-called Braak stages, a method used to classify the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Leukaemia researchers Professor Hartmut Döhner, Medical Director of the University Clinic for Internal Medicine III, and Professor Stephan Stilgenbauer are listed in the field of clinical medicine. Professor Döhner is spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Centre 'Experimental Models and Clinical Translation in Leukaemia' and of the Oncological Centre of Excellence 'Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm' (CCCU). He is also an internationally renowned expert on the most frequent blood cancers in adults. Professor Stephan Stilgenbauer is making significant contributions to the development of new treatment approaches for the most common forms of leukaemia at the University Clinic for Internal Medicine III.
Botanist Professor Steven Jansen was also able to defend his place in the ranking. His focus lies on water transportation in plants and the impact of drought stress on crops as a result of climate change. New on the list of most cited researchers is Professor Stephan Grissmer from the Institute of Applied Physiology. Grissmer conducts research on ion channels and their malfunctions. These channels play an important role in numerous body functions, but also in cardiovascular diseases, epilepsies and muscle disorders.
The eight researchers from Ulm are in good company: 23 of the 6200 listed 'most cited minds' from 60 nations are Nobel Prize laureates. The ranking 'Highly Cited Researchers 2019' is based on 150,000 high-profile scientific publications issued between 2008 and 2018. The more often an author is cited in these publications, the higher the citation index. If the person is one of the most cited authors in one of 21 research areas or in the category of multidisciplinary research (top 1%), he or she is included in the ranking. With 327 particularly frequently cited researchers, Germany ranks fourth on a global scale – behind the USA, China and the United Kingdom.
Mediacontact: Annika Bingmann
Translation: Daniela Wittmeier