Highly Cited Researchers 2025

Three researchers linked to the Universitat Politècnica de València - Avelino Corma, Juan Bisquert and Luis Guanter- remain among the most influential scientists on the planet for another year. This is confirmed by the Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) List 2025, which recognises the most cited researchers worldwide.

Avelino Corma and Juan Bisquert, recognised in the Chemistry and Cross-Field categories, respectively, carry out their research at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ, UPV-CSIC). Meanwhile, Luis Guanter, listed in the Geosciences category, does so at the Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA) at UPV.

In this edition, analysts from Clarivate's Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) have identified 6,868 researchers from over 1,300 institutions in 60 countries and regions. The selection process combines quantitative metrics and qualitative analysis based on data from the Web of Science Core Collection to identify those who have had a genuine and global impact in their respective disciplines.

An Unequal Global Map

According to Clarivate, 74.6% of the recognitions are concentrated in just 5 countries and regions, which ‘highlights a notable concentration of the most globally impactful research talent’.

The United States once again leads the ranking. At the same time, mainland China and the United Kingdom retain their second and third positions, respectively.

Boosting Spain to the top level

When asked how to elevate Spanish science to the global vanguard, these were the answers from the award-winning scientists:

Avelino Corma

A coherent short, medium and long-term plan is needed, accompanied by adequate and sustained funding.

Furthermore, it is essential to support projects with greater scientific risk, which allow for the generation of truly innovative and internationally competitive breakthroughs.

Juan Bisquert

Spain must guarantee stable, multi-year funding for R&D, accompanied by a clear and competitive scientific career that attracts talent. It is essential to drastically reduce bureaucracy so that researchers can dedicate their time to science, not to administration.

And, finally, we must genuinely promote knowledge transfer and internationalisation, connecting our research with industry, Europe and the great global challenges.

Luis Guanter

Among many other measures, it is essential to protect public research institutions, particularly universities.