What the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List Means for Academic Impact
In 2025, Clarivate unveiled its Highly Cited Researchers list, a ranking that identifies scientists whose publications receive citation frequencies that exceed the 98th percentile globally. The list is a benchmark of scholarly influence, reflecting how peer work builds upon foundational findings. For universities, having faculty on the list signals research quality, attracts funding, and strengthens international collaborations. Bangor University’s five researchers now occupy this elite circle, elevating the institution’s standing in the research community.
Bangor University’s Leading Scholars and Their Contributions
Davey Jones – Soil & Environmental Sciences & Public Health
Professor Jones specializes in environmental microbiology and public health surveillance. His work on wastewater-based epidemiology led to a national program that tracks COVID‑19 and other pathogens through sewage samples. The approach has since been adopted for antimicrobial resistance monitoring in rivers across England and Wales. By partnering with industry, he has also investigated the greenhouse‑gas footprint of agriculture and the impact of plastics on ecosystem services. These projects provide data that inform both policy and industry best practices.
Jane Noyes – Child Health and Health Services Research
As a registered nurse and global expert in child health, Professor Noyes has guided Cochrane reviews that refine methods for synthesizing mixed‑methods evidence. Her leadership in developing qualitative meta‑synthesis techniques underpins evidence that shapes policy in the UK, United States, and WHO. The impact of her research is evident in rapid data‑driven guideline updates, improving decision‑making in health care settings worldwide.
Iestyn Woolway – Climate Change and Ocean Science
Dr Woolway’s work focuses on how climate change alters marine ecosystems. He has published over 140 peer‑reviewed papers, including first‑author reports in high‑impact journals such as Nature. His research informs risk assessments for resource managers, providing roadmaps for conserving vulnerable ecosystems. Woolway’s accolades include the Leverhulme Prize and the Royal Geographical Society Gill Memorial Award, reflecting his global influence.
Mark Bellis – Public Health and Policy Innovation
Professor Bellis serves as an honorary professor and director of research at both Bangor University and Liverpool John Moores University. He chairs WHO collaborating centres on violence prevention and investment in health and well‑being. His work on adverse childhood experiences and the commercial determinants of health informs national strategies and international health policy. Recognition from the UK government, such as an OBE, underscores the societal relevance of his research.
Karen Hughes – Violence Prevention and Public Health Leadership
Professor Hughes leads applied research on violence prevention, working closely with Public Health Wales and WHO. She directs large population studies and systematic reviews, translating evidence into policy recommendations. Her interdisciplinary approach merges sociology, epidemiology, and policy analysis, producing actionable insights that shape public health interventions across Wales and beyond.
Implications for Bangor University Students and Junior Researchers
Faculty recognition at the top 1% level translates into tangible benefits for students and emerging scholars:
- Research Opportunities: Projects led by highly cited faculty often secure robust funding, offering scholarships, research assistantships, and access to cutting‑edge labs.
- Mentorship Quality: Working under researchers recognized for influence provides mentorship that emphasizes rigorous methodology, data integrity, and global relevance.
- Career Advancement: Graduates linked to high‑impact research networks gain visibility in the job market, attracting positions in academia, industry, and policy circles.
Students now have a clearer pathway to contribute to work that shapes science policy and public health strategies.
Building a Highly Cited Research Profile—Practical Steps for Scholars
While the achievements of Bangor’s scholars are exceptional, they embody principles that other researchers can adopt to elevate their own citation impact.
1. Identify a “Hot” or High‑Impact Topic
Choosing research areas with clear societal or scientific demand—such as environmental surveillance, public health interventions, or climate resilience—draws attention from peer researchers and funding bodies. Align inquiry with global challenges rather than niche questions to broaden citation potential.
2. Foster Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Joint projects across departments (e.g., environmental science and public health) open new data streams and methodological frameworks. Such collaboration increases manuscript visibility across multiple disciplines, boosting searchability.
3. Embrace Open‑Access and Data Sharing
Publishing in open‑access venues and depositing datasets in public repositories enhance discoverability. Tools like PubMed Central, Dryad, and Zenodo allow other scientists to reuse data, increasing citation probability.
4. Prioritise Quality Journals and Impactful Writing
A high‑quality manuscript, structured with clear hypotheses, robust methodology, and compelling implications, stands out. Authors should engage with peer reviewers’ comments constructively and revise thoroughly; meticulous editing improves readability and citation likelihood.
5. Track and Analyse Citation Metrics Strategically
Authors can use tools such as Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to monitor citation trajectories. By identifying which works attract the most attention, researchers can refine future proposals and focus on high‑yield topics.
Bangor University’s Strategic Response to Global Recognition
The university leverages the acclaim to strengthen its research ecosystem. Initiatives include:
- Investment in Infrastructure: New labs and analytical equipment support pioneering studies in microbiology and marine science.
- Funding Partnerships: Collaboration with national agencies, industry stakeholders, and international consortia expands funding streams.
- Research Assessment Reforms: Bangor adheres to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), ensuring evaluation based on quality rather than metrics alone.
- Student Engagement: Undergraduate research theses and postgraduate projects now link directly with faculty-led teams, providing real‑world experience.
Future Pathways for Prospective Students and Researchers
Bangor University offers a range of graduate programmes that feed into the high‑impact research culture. Applicants find strong support in mentorship, interdisciplinary study, and practical industry linkages.
Take advantage of the university’s resources by exploring our course catalog or research portal. With highly cited faculty and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, students can contribute to research that shapes policy and improves the world.
Engage With Bangor’s Research Community
Stay updated on breakthroughs, funding opportunities, and networking events by following Bangor University on social media. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly highlights and upcoming seminars. For students or scholars seeking deeper involvement, contact the research office to learn how you can join our next collaborative project.
Apply to Bangor University today and align yourself with research that is recognized worldwide.
