The strength of science research at the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has been highlighted with 161 of the University's scientists being named among the best in the world.
The World's Top 2% Scientists' list was recently released by Stanford University, in collaboration with academic publishing company Elsevier, identifying the world's leading researchers based on the number of citations.
Professor Christine Winterbourn, a Principal Investigator at the Mātai Hāora – Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine at the Ōtautahi campus, is Otago's best ranked scientist at number 1578.
Professor Winterbourn researches the biological chemistry of free radicals and other reactive oxidants and their involvement in health and disease. Her work has been cited about 2200 times in one year.
She says it is gratifying to see this evidence of the impact of her research.
"It's not only recognition of me but especially of the talented people in our Christchurch group that I have been privileged to work with."
Professor Robert Poulin (1935), of the Department of Zoology, and Emeritus Professor Richard Sibson (3009), of the Department of Geology, are ranked second and third, respectively, from Otago.
Other Otago researchers in the list are involved in Microbiology, Food Science, Dentistry, Education, Psychology, Gender Studies, Business, and Chemistry.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Dr Martin Gagnon says it is fantastic to see so many Otago researchers on the list.
"We know we have top-tier scientists here at Otago, so it is great to see them officially recognised as some of the best in the world."
