University of Birmingham researchers named among most influential in the world

University of Birmingham researchers have been recognised among the world’s most influential academics across a range of fields, according to new rankings.

The six researchers from the University on the prestigious Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list by Clarivate are Professors Iain Chapple, Gary Collins, Laura Crane, Nick Loman, Richard Riley, and Yuli Shan.

Only one in 1,000 of the world’s global research community are named Highly Cited Researchers based on their influence in their field of research and the number of ‘Highly Cited’ papers they have authored.

Professor Rachel O’Reilly FRS MBE, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University of Birmingham, said: “As we mark the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary in 2025, I’m delighted that this year’s Highly Cited Researchers list continues to recognise our researchers’ impact on scholarship in their fields. We congratulate each of them on their outstanding contributions.

“Birmingham provides the highest quality academic experience and our six researchers’ success illustrates why Birmingham is a growing choice for leading scholars who want to be involved in world-class research and enhance their global academic reputation.”

Birmingham’s six Highly Cited researchers in 2025 are:

• Professor Iain Chapple - Cross-Field

Professor Chapple is Oral, Intestinal and Systemic Health Theme Lead with Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in Inflammation. His research interests lie in periodontology, periodontal medicine and surgery, nutrition, and molecular methods.

• Professor Gary Collins - Clinical Medicine and Social Sciences

A 125th Anniversary Chair and NIHR Senior Investigator, Professor Collins' research interests are focused on the development and fair evaluation of clinical prediction models and predictive AI, and transparency in health research.

• Professor Laura Crane – Psychiatry and Psychology 

Chair in Autism Studies at the University of Birmingham, where she is Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) and Director of Research for the School of Education, Professor Laura Crane is a leading authority on participatory autism research. She champions approaches that involve autistic people and those who support them as active partners in research. 

• Professor Nick Loman - Biology and Biochemistry

Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection and Professor of Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics, Professor Loman’s research explores cutting-edge genomics and metagenomics approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of infectious disease.

• Professor Richard Riley - Social Sciences

As Professor of Biostatistics, an NIHR Senior Investigator and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor Riley focuses on applied and methodology research for healthcare, especially regarding prognosis, prediction models, and individual participant data meta-analysis.

• Professor Yuli Shan - Environment and Ecology

Yuli Shan is a Professor in Sustainable Transitions. His interdisciplinary research aims to reveal how human activities affect global and regional climate change. He is also Director of the University of Birmingham - Nanjing University Joint Centre for Research and Education in Environment & Health, and Sustainability & Climate Change.

Professor Chapple is designated as ‘Cross-Field’ reflecting the importance of his work in multiple research areas.

Each researcher selected has authored a minimum number of Highly Cited Papers - research documents which rank in the top 1% by citations for their field(s) and publication year in the Web of Science Core Collection over the past 11 years. This list, based on citation data, is refined using other quantitative metrics, qualitative analysis, and expert judgment by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI).

David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Birmingham who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their fields.

“They exemplify excellence in their research as well as integrity in their publication and citation practices. These researchers continue to shape the future of science, technology, and academia globally and deliver innovation that drives societal progress.”

Honorary Professor Wiebke Arlt – now at Imperial College London – is also Highly Cited as ‘Cross-Field’. Professor Arlt led a large, multi-disciplinary research group at Birmingham, investigating the role of steroids in health and disease. 

Professors Gary Collins, Nick Loman, Richard Riley, and Yuli Shan were named as Highly Cited Researchers in 2024. Clarivate featured Professor Shan in their online case studies, where he said:

“Being designated as a Highly Cited Researcher not only underscores the influence of my research within the academic community but also enhances my ability to engage with local governments, environmental agencies, and policymakers who rely on robust data to implement meaningful climate action. This visibility creates new opportunities for impactful collaborations.”