UMD Ranked Among Top 20 U.S. Universities for Most Highly Cited Researchers in 2025

Thirty-one University of Maryland (UMD) scholars have been named to Clarivate’s 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list, an international benchmark recognizing scientists whose work shapes and influences global scholarship. UMD ranks #17 among U.S universities, #7 among U.S. public universities, #3 among U.S. institutions without a medical school, and #39 worldwide on Clarivate’s list, reflecting the university’s significant research impact, exceptional citation record, and commitment to research integrity. The analysis by Clarivate, an international data and analytics firm, highlights individuals whose publications rank among the top 1% most cited in their fields, reflecting a broad influence in advancing science, technology and academic innovation. 

“The presence of so many UMD researchers on this list is a powerful affirmation of the creativity, rigor and global impact of our research community,” said Patrick O’Shea, Vice President for Research. “These scholars are advancing knowledge at the highest levels and helping to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges—from climate resilience to next-generation materials and health policy. Their recognition reflects not only individual excellence but a universitywide commitment to fostering bold ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration.” 

This year, Clarivate awarded 7,131 Highly Cited Researcher designations to 6,868 individuals, representing 0.1% of all scholars worldwide. According to Clarivate’s, this year’s Highly Cited Researchers work in 60 countries and regions.

Current and former UMD researchers on Clarivate’s list include: 

John Armston, Geographical Sciences, BSOS

Ji Chen, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ENGR

Long Cheng, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ENGR 

Leon Clarke, Center for Global Sustainability, SPP

Jiaqi Dai, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR

Louis Giglio, Geographical Sciences, BSOS 

Matthew Hansen, Geographical Sciences, BSOS 

Emily Hitz, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR 

Singyuk Hou, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ENGR 

Liangbing Hu *, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR

George Hurtt, Geographical Sciences, BSOS

Chao Jia, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR 

Jianguo Li, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR 

Yudi Kuang, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR 

Page Kyle**, Joint Global Change Research Institute/PNNL,  JGCRI

Boyang Liu, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR 

Yifei Mo, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR 

Christopher Monroe, Physics, CMNS 

Douglas Morton**, Geographical Sciences/NASA, BSOS 

Brian O'Neill**, Center for Global Sustainability, SPP 

Michael Pecht, Mechanical Engineering, ENGR 

Peter Potapov**, Geographical Sciences, BSOS

Roland Rust, Marketing, BGMT

Steven Smith**, Joint Global Change Research Institute/PNNL, JGCRI

Xiao-Peng Song, Geographical Sciences, BSOS  

Ariana Sutton-Grier, CC, ESSIC

Alexandra Tyukavina, Geographical Sciences, BSOS 

Eric Vermote**, Geographical Sciences, BSOS 

Chunsheng Wang*, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ENGR 

Hhua Xie, Materials Science and Engineering, ENGR 

Chongyin Yang, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ENGR 

* Researchers recognized in multiple fields

** Researchers with a secondary affiliation to UMD