Birmingham researchers named among most influential in the world

Two researchers from the University of Birmingham affiliated with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) have been recognised among the world’s most influential academics in their fields, according to new rankings.

The two BRC researchers on the prestigious Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list by Clarivate are Professors Iain Chapple and Richard Riley, alongside three further experts from the University of Birmingham.

Only one in 1,000 of the world’s global research community are named Highly Cited Researchers based on their influence in their field of research and the number of ‘Highly Cited’ papers they have authored.

“As we mark the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary in 2025, I’m delighted that this year’s Highly Cited Researchers list continues to recognise our researchers’ impact on scholarship in their fields. We congratulate each of them on their outstanding contributions.”

Professor Rachel O’Reilly FRS MBE, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) – University of Birmingham

Professor Rachel O’Reilly FRS MBE, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University of Birmingham, said: “As we mark the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary in 2025, I’m delighted that this year’s Highly Cited Researchers list continues to recognise our researchers’ impact on scholarship in their fields. We congratulate each of them on their outstanding contributions.

“Birmingham provides the highest quality academic experience and our five researchers’ success illustrates why Birmingham is a growing choice for leading scholars who want to be involved in world-class research and enhance their global academic reputation.”

Professors Chapple and Riley were recognised as highly cited across two fields:

• Professor Iain Chapple – Cross-Field

Professor Chapple is our BRC’s Oral, Intestinal and Systemic Health Theme Lead. His research interests lie in periodontology, periodontal medicine and surgery, nutrition, and molecular methods.

Professor Chapple is designated as ‘Cross-Field’ reflecting the importance of his work in multiple research areas.

• Professor Richard Riley – Social Sciences

As Professor of Biostatistics, an NIHR Senior Investigator and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor Riley focuses on applied and methodology research for healthcare, especially regarding prognosis, prediction models, and individual participant data meta-analysis.

He is a member of our Data, Diagnostics and Decision Tools research theme.

Each researcher selected has authored a minimum number of Highly Cited Papers – research documents which rank in the top 1% by citations for their field(s) and publication year in the Web of Science Core Collection over the past 11 years. This list, based on citation data, is refined using other quantitative metrics, qualitative analysis, and expert judgment by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI).

David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Birmingham who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their fields.

“They exemplify excellence in their research as well as integrity in their publication and citation practices. These researchers continue to shape the future of science, technology, and academia globally and deliver innovation that drives societal progress.”

Honorary Professor Wiebke Arlt – now at Imperial College London – is also Highly Cited as ‘Cross-Field’. Professor Arlt led a large, multi-disciplinary research group at Birmingham, investigating the role of steroids in health and disease, and was a member of the NIHR Birmingham BRC Women’s Metabolic Health research theme.