UVA Researchers Ranked Among the World’s Most Highly Cited in 2025

Five University of Virginia faculty members were named among the world’s most influential researchers, according to Clarivate’s 2025 Highly Cited Researchers List. 

Professors Scott Doney, Steven, Majewski, Amy Mathers, Brian Nosek, and Brian Weinshenker earned a place on the list, which identifies researchers whose work ranks in the top 1% of citations in their field within the Web of Science Core Collection. 

Clarivate’s rigorous selection process highlights scholars with broad scientific influence and significant contributions to their disciplines. Fewer than one in 1,000 researchers worldwide receive this distinction. 

“Research is about the impact discoveries can make on society today and ultimately how we experience the future. This recognition demonstrates how the impact of UVA faculty’s discoveries resonate far beyond Grounds and are making a difference in the world,” said Lori L. McMahon, vice president for research.

This year’s honorees represent the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Medicine

UVA’s 2025 Highly Cited Researchers

Scott Doney – Cross-Field 

Joe D. and Helen J. Kingston professor of Environmental Change, Department of Environmental Sciences

Doney’s research explores oceanography, climate science, and biogeochemistry, focusing on how oceans respond to environmental change.

Steven Majewski – Space Science 

W.H Vanderbilt professor and chair, Department of Astronomy 

Majewski studies galactic structure, stellar populations, and galaxy evolution, often using advanced spectroscopic techniques

Amy Mathers – Cross-Field 

Professor of Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine 

Mathers specializes in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, using genomic sequencing and clinical microbiology to track drug-resistant pathogens and improve antibiotic stewardship.

Brian Nosek – Psychiatry and Psychology 

Professor of Psychology, School of Medicine; co-founder, Center for Open Science

Nosek focuses on implicit cognition, decision-making, and advancing scientific practices through transparency and reproducibility. He co-developed the Implicit Association Test.

Brian Weinshenker – Neuroscience and Behavior 

Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine 

Weinshenker is internationally recognized for research on multiple sclerosis and autoimmune neurology, contributing to NIH-funded studies and authoring more than 250 peer-reviewed publications.