UNBC researchers rank among world's top scientists
UNBC researchers listed in the most recent release of a peer-reviewed database of the top two per cent of the world's scientists.
Prince George, B.C. – From conservation biology and landscape ecology, to wood engineering, structural analysis and innovative research in materials engineering for environmental remediation, researchers at the University of Northern British Columbia make an impact in their scientific fields of study.
The 2024 “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators”, is a peer-reviewed work that identifies the most highly cited scientists from around the world.
The database offers a reflection of the most influential researchers globally based on an analysis of citation impact across multiple scientific fields. Developed by Dr. John Ioannidis and two co-authors from Standford University, standardized citation metrics are used compile a list of the 100,000 most-cited authors across all scientific fields – or top two per cent – using Scopus data from Elsevier, a leading scientific publisher and data analytics company which captures research outputs in STEM and health fields among others.
UNBC researchers listed in the database include the following:
- Dr. Darwyn Coxson—Ecosystem and Science Management Professor.
- Dr. Hossein Kazemian—Department of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Science (GEES) Associate Professor and Northern Analytical Laboratory Services Director.
- Dr. Philip Owens—GEES Professor and Research Chair in Landscape Ecology.
- Dr. Thomas Tannert, Wood Engineering Professor and Canada Research Chair.
- Dr. Oscar Venter—Landscape Conservation and Management Professor and Forest Renewal B.C./West Fraser Conservation Solutions Research Chair.
- Dr. Phil Burton—Ecosystem and Science Management Professor Emeritus.
- Dr. Paula Wood-Adams, Engineering Professor and Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
A well-known scientist and expert in polymer science, UNBC Vice-President, Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams appears on the list for her research contributions over a 25-year academic career prior to joining UNBC.
“UNBC researchers excel at inquiry – working with partners to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing society,” says Wood-Adams. “This place-based and community driven research is inspiring discoveries, generating new knowledge and leading the way to a sustainable future. The fact UNBC scientists are being cited so frequently speaks to the global impact of their research.”
With research specializing in the synthesis, characterization and application of porous materials for environmental remediation, Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science Associate Professor Dr. Hossein Kazemian’s interdisciplinary work is contributing to the global scientific community in several fields, including chemistry, environmental science and materials engineering.
“From creating novel materials for air, water and soil cleanup to teaching courses in Chemistry and Environmental Science, my work is aimed at preparing the next generation of scientists while fostering sustainable technologies,” says Kazemian (shown in photo at left). “All research is the result of the insatiable curiosity and perseverance of a team – I share this recognition with my incredible graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and international collaborators.”
The 2024 update shows separate data for career-long impact and several distinguished members of the University community who are no longer active researchers are listed including Drs. Joselito Arocena, who passed away in 2015, Staffan Lindgren, Alex Michalos and Kenneth Prkachin.
“Through their collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing, UNBC faculty make significant contributions in their respective fields,” adds Wood-Adams. “UNBC researchers have a long-standing global impact and inspire the next generation of researchers to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”