UTS researchers among the world’s most influential

Ten researchers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have been named on the prestigious Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list, placing them among the world’s most influential scientific minds.

This recognition reflects UTS’s growing global impact, where world-class research, creative thinking and practical application come together to drive meaningful progress. The work of these researchers doesn’t just advance academic knowledge—it transforms industries and delivers real-world solutions.

What is the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List?

Published annually, the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list identifies scientists and social scientists whose research outputs rank in the top 1% of citations globally for their field and publication year.

Inclusion on the list signifies exceptional and sustained impact. Researchers must demonstrate a long-term record of producing highly cited, field-defining work recognised by peers around the world.

Meet the 2025 UTS Highly Cited Researchers

Ten UTS academics were recognised in 2025 for their leadership across engineering, materials science, environmental policy, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Their expertise spans some of the most complex and urgent global challenges.

UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Kate McGrath, said:

“These ten academics represent a ‘who’s who’ of outstanding researchers at the top of their fields globally, who are making significant contributions to advancing knowledge across their chosen disciplines.”

The 2025 UTS Highly Cited Researchers are:

• Professor Igor Aharonovich – Quantum sources for generating, encoding and distributing quantum information.
• Emeritus Professor David Boud – Adult, higher and professional education.
• Professor Oscar Xiaojun Chang – Artificial intelligence, computer vision, multimedia and neural networks.
• Associate Professor Fang Jianguang – Computational mechanics and structural/materials optimisation.
• Professor J.C. Ji – Vibration, clean energy and vehicle systems.
• Distinguished Professor Dayong Jin – Transforming photonics into diagnostic and imaging tools for disease detection.
• Adjunct Professor Bruce Bing-Jie Ni – Environmental technologies and wastewater treatment.
• Professor Roc Xunpeng Shi – Environmental law and policy, with a focus on clean energy and climate.
• Dr Bing Sun – Materials science, electrochemistry, nanotechnology and solid-state physics.
• Distinguished Professor Guoxiu Wang – Battery technologies, materials chemistry and energy storage.

Research that shapes tomorrow

At UTS, research is designed for impact. It powers startups, strengthens healthcare, informs sustainable policy and develops new technologies with global application. The achievements of these Highly Cited Researchers reflect UTS’s commitment to creating knowledge that solves real-world problems—from clean energy and climate resilience to advanced AI and quantum materials.

This success is supported by an environment built for innovation: world-leading facilities, cross-disciplinary collaboration and strong partnerships with industry and community organisations.

Pushing the boundaries of knowledge

The recognition of ten UTS academics on the 2025 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list is a testament to the university’s commitment to unconventional excellence. It demonstrates the influence of UTS research across science, technology, engineering, health, education and policy.

UTS congratulates these outstanding researchers and reaffirms its dedication to supporting bold, creative and impactful research that moves the world forward.