News

ACU researchers recognised among world's leading scientists

Researchers from across Australian Catholic University (ACU) have been named in the top two per cent of scientists globally in the 2026 Stanford/Elsevier ‘World's Top 2 per cent of Scientists’ rankings.

Key points:

• 41 leading academics from across ACU were included in the 2026 Stanford / Elsevier ‘World’s Top 2 per cent of Scientists’ ranking
• The prestigious list identifies the top two per cent of researchers worldwide based on standardised research citation data
• Professor Richard M. Ryan’s work in psychology placed him ninth in the world in this year’s rankings

The 2026 Stanford / Elsevier Global Researcher list includes 41 leading academics from ACU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Education and Arts, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, and Faculty of Law and Business.

Professor Richard M. Ryan’s work in psychology placed him ninth in the world in this year’s rankings, putting him among the leading researchers in his field.

The prestigious list identifies the top two per cent of researchers worldwide based on standardised research citation data. It identifies scholars whose published work has had a significant influence within their discipline.

Although citations are only one measure of research quality and impact, the rankings provide an international benchmark for the reach of researchers’ work and their contribution to a global body of knowledge.

ACU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Abid Khan said the rankings were testament to the collective effort behind research excellence at ACU.

“These results recognise the outstanding work of our researchers and the impact they are making internationally,” Professor Khan said.

“Professor Ryan’s achievement in moving into the global top 10 in his field is particularly significant, and the broad representation of ACU academics across many disciplines demonstrates the depth and diversity of research excellence across the university.

“ACU is committed to research that has a meaningful impact on people’s lives. That commitment sits at the heart of human flourishing and is central to ACU’s Vision 2033.

“These results reflect the dedication, collaboration and support of our entire university community.”