This year’s list of the world’s most influential scientists has been released, with five Fraser Valley researchers making the cut.
Created by Stanford University and the Elsevier academic publication, this annual list determines the top two per cent of scientists around the world who have made the biggest impact on the academic community in their respective fields.
How it does this is by looking at factors such as how many times a scientist has their published work cited in other academic projects.
According to Stanford and Elsevier, the list has approximately 100,000 scientists, including the University of the Fraser Valley’s Drs. Lauren Erland, Javad Hadian, Michael Hitch, Faisal Naeem, and Christophe Schinckus.
This is the first time that UFV has had this many researchers make the cut, which associate vice-president of research and graduate studies Garry Fehr said is an example of how the university continues to grow each year.
“This recognition places UFV among Canada’s most dynamic academic institutions and demonstrates the university’s ability to compete with top-tier research universities internationally,” Fehr said.
“With five honourees, UFV is strengthening its position as a university where teaching excellence and research leadership go hand in hand.”
The school’s first time appearing on the list of top scientists was back in 2022, with Schinckus being the only UFV researcher to earn this distinction at the time.
Since then, he has been included each year thanks to his continued work in the fields of financial economics, energy studies, and health studies.
“This list is a reminder that collaborative research and dedicated mentorship can make a meaningful impact,” Schinckus said.
“This recognition motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of research and education.”
Naeem was able to cement his spot on the list thanks to his research in computer science, computing systems, and data and security innovations.
This is far from the first time that Erland has been acknowledged for his research, with the UFV director also being part of the Canada Research Chairs Program.
His areas of focus include plant physiology, sustainable agriculture, and food security amid a changing climate.
“It is great to see our work recognized,” Erland said. “A big focus in my research is finding meaningful outcomes, and this recognition is evidence that the work we are doing is making a difference.”
Hadian is also no stranger to plant-related research, specializing in biomolecular chemistry, plant biology, and botany.
Hitch, who is the dean of UFV’s science faculty, is making his third appearance on the list this year. His work focuses on sustainable resource development, mining economics, and carbon dioxide management.
“We are thrilled that three of the five noted scientists are from the Faculty of Science, which demonstrates that UFV science is having a growing global impact and that our work contributes to this success,” Hitch said.
“This recognition demonstrates UFV’s ability to compete with top-tier research universities internationally and serves as inspiration for students and colleagues alike.”