In August of 2025, Scilit released the 3^rd edition of its Top Cited Scholars Analysis Report. The report recognizes the academic influence of researchers by assessing aggregated scores from top cited publications (TCP) published between 2015 and 2024.

Following this year’s selection and verification process, we are pleased to announce that 7,949 scholars have been selected as Top Cited Scholars (TCS) and 250 as Top Cited Young Scholars (TCYS). These numbers reflect the sustained excellence of established researchers and the rising impact of emerging talent.

To support the recognition of this academic achievement, let’s have a look at the key points and improvements behind this year’s report.

Improved data attribution

One of the key strengths of our report in 2025 was its improved data attribution. Utilizing ROR (Research Organization Registry), we were able to consolidate affiliated entities under their parent institutions, improving attribution accuracy.

This improvement to data attribution has allowed us to present a more accurate picture of institutional rankings compared with previous editions of the report.

Country leadership

The results of the 2025 report reaffirm the leadership of the following 3 countries:

1. United States
2. Mainland China
3. United Kingdom

In total, the United States had 2,140 TCS (26.92%) and 50 TCYS (20%); Mainland China, 1,166 TCS (14.67%) and 61 TCYS (24.40%); and the United Kingdom, 847 TCS (10.66%) and 25 TCYS (10%).

These 3 countries continue to demonstrate exceptional research performance among Top Cited Scholars, and, for the benefit of future academia, early-career academics.

Institutional excellence

The report covers a staggering 1,801 institutions worldwide. The top 6 highest-performing institutions were:

1. University of California (193 TCS)
2. University of London (189 TCS)
3. Chinese Academy of Services (145 TCS)
4. Stanford University (100 TCS)
5. Harvard University (79 TCS)
6. Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (79 TCS)

Among the top 100 institutions, 36 are based in the United States, 15 in Mainland China, 12 in the United Kingdom, 10 in Australia, and 4 each in Germany, Canada and Hong Kong, China.

This distribution highlights how leading research-intensive countries produce higher numbers of Top Cited Scholars. Additionally, the list demonstrates the diversity of institutions contributing to the publication of high-impact science worldwide.

Subject strengths and interdisciplinary impact

In 2025, the top ten subject areas for Top Cited Scholars were:

1. Genetics & Genomics (356)
2. Electrochemistry (289)
3. Neurosciences (262)
4. Management Sciences (261)
5. Telecommunications (249)
6. Immunology (246)
7. Psychiatry & Psychology (225)
8. Photochemistry (219)
9. Nanoparticles (215)
10. Medical Ethics (209)

Many Top Cited Scholars demonstrate interdisciplinary research interests, with 64.38% engaged in work spanning two (41.77%) or three (22.61%) subject areas, while 35.63% focus on a single subject. The report confirms the importance of interdisciplinary approaches among leading researchers.

As science continues to progress, it is vital that we celebrate the achievements of our academic community. Our 2025 Top Cited Scholars Annual report ensures that no success goes unnoticed.