HKU Science Scholars Shine in 2025 Best Scientists Rankings

HKU Science distinguished scholars have once again been recognised among the world’s top 100 scientists in their respective disciplines by the international academic platform, Research.com in its 2025 rankings.

Notably, HKU President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Xiang ZHANG (Department of Physics) and Professor Guochun ZHAO (Department of Earth Sciences) remain the highest-ranked scientists in Asia in their fields, underscoring HKU Science’s continued global leadership in research excellence. Professor Guochun Zhao now ranks 6^th globally, climbing two places from last year, while Professor Zhang has risen to 48^th globally.

Here is the list of HKU Science scholars recognised in the 2025 rankings:

Chemistry

• Professor Chi-Ming CHE (79^th globally, 12^th in China)
  Zhou Guangzhao Professor in Natural Sciences and Chair Professor, the Department of Chemistry

Earth Science

• Professor Guochun ZHAO (6^th globally, 1^st in Asia)
  Mok Sau-King Professor and Chair Professor, the Department of Earth Sciences
• Professor Min SUN (20^th globally, 5^th in China)
  Emeritus Professor, the Department of Earth Sciences

Environmental Sciences

• Professor Peng GONG (65^th globally, 4^th in China)
  Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development); Chair Professor of Global Sustainability, the Department of Earth Sciences

Materials Science

• Professor Hongjie DAI (17^th globally, 9^th in US and equivalent of 5^th in China)
  Sapientia Eminence Professor and Chair Professor, the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science; J.G.Jackson-C.J. Wood Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus, Stanford University

Physics

• Professor Xiang ZHANG (48^th globally, 1^st in Asia)
  President and Vice-Chancellor; Chair of Physics, the Department of Physics

In addition, Professor Juha MERILÄ, Chair Professor in Ecology and Biodiversity at the School of Biological Sciences, remains among the third in China in the field of Ecology and Evolution, reflecting his continued influence in the field.

The rankings are determined by a scientist's D-index (Discipline H-index), which solely considers publication and citation data within a specific discipline. This recognition highlights the exceptional calibre of HKU’s faculty, whose pioneering research continues to shape the future of their respective fields. HKU's pursuit of excellence and its relentless drive to push the boundaries of knowledge provide a powerful engine for both the nation and Hong Kong to excel on the global stage.