Elite scientists recognised

The Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2022 list is considered the ‘who’s who’ of influential researchers.

The ratings that determine the list are provided by the Web of Science Group and represent scientists who have demonstrated major influence through publication of multiple highly cited papers during the past decade.

Their names are drawn from the publications that rank in the top 1% by citations for their field.

Citations are logged when a scientist’s work is referenced by another scientist to help build their own research.

The JCU researchers are:

Professor Andrew Baird who is using an integrated approach, including novel molecular tools, morphology and breeding trials, to explore species boundaries in the stony coral genus Acropora.

Professor Michael Bird’s research interests include the terrestrial carbon cycle, biochar, geoarchaeology and understanding the trajectory of past and future environmental change in the tropics.

Professor David Bourne investigates the microbial and ecological drivers that underpin coral health and disease on the Great Barrier Reef.

Professor Terry Hughes’ research focuses on climate change and coral bleaching, and the linkages between the ecology of reefs and their importance for societies and economies.

Professor Bill Laurance studies land-use change in the tropics and its impacts on forest ecosystems and biodiversity. His research spans much of the tropical world, including the Amazon, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australasia.

Professor Morgan Pratchett is studying major disturbances on coral reefs, which cause declines in coral cover and shifts in habitat structure.