HKU Science Academics Achieve Top Honours in 2023 Best Scientists Rankings

The professors named the best scientists have made significant contributions to their respective fields and their work has had a significant impact on society.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has demonstrated its academic excellence by achieving outstanding recognition in the 2023 Best Scientists Rankings, developed by the globally recognised academic website, Research.com. Ten distinguished professors have been named the top 100 best scientists in their respective fields, including three Professors and two affiliated Professors from the Faculty of Science. In particular, Professor Guochun ZHAO, Chair of Earth Sciences, was ranked 10^th in Earth Sciences globally. 

Professor Xiang ZHANG, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU and Chair of Physics, as well as Professor Guochun ZHAO have also achieved the top spot nationally as the number one ranked professors in China by discipline. Meanwhile, Professor Peng GONG, Chair of Global Sustainability at the Department of Earth Sciences has achieved the second position in China by discipline.

Additionally, it’s worth highlighting that Professor Juha MERILÄ from the School of Biological Sciences was ranked 3^rd in China under the category Ecology and Evolution in China.

The ranking is based on a scientist's D-index (Discipline H-index), which includes only publications and citation data for a specific discipline.

The professors named the best scientists have made significant contributions to their respective fields and their work has had a significant impact on society. It is also a testament to HKU’s unwavering commitment to research excellence and innovation. This achievement will inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge and continue making a positive impact on the world through our research.

Chemistry

Professor Chi-Ming CHE (65^th globally, 5^th in China)

Zhou Guangzhao Professor in Natural Sciences, Chair of Chemistry and Head, Department of Chemistry
 

Earth Science

Professor Guochun ZHAO (10^th globally, 1^st in China)

Chair Professor, Department of Earth Sciences

Professor Min SUN (18^th globally, 4^th in China)

Professor, Department of Earth Sciences

Ecology and Evolution

Professor Juha MERILÄ (191^st globally, 3^rd in China)

Chair Professor in Ecology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Professor Peng GONG (70^th globally, 2^nd in China)

HKU Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) ; Chair Professor of Global Sustainability, Department of Earth Sciences

Physics

Professor Xiang ZHANG (87^th globally, 1^st in China)

HKU President and Vice-Chancellor; Chair of Physics, Department of Physics