13 November 2025

Several researchers from Linköping University are included in this year’s list from Clarivate of the world’s most cited researchers. The list comprises those who rank within the top one per cent globally in terms of citations within their respective fields.

Photographer: Teiksma Buseva

This year’s LiU researchers on the list are Feng Gao (Engineering and Materials Science), Lars Hultman (Cross-Field), Christian Kowalkowski (Economics & Business) and Erik G. Larsson (Computer Science).

The inclusion of several researchers from Linköping University highlights a strong research environment where collaboration, long-term commitment and interdisciplinarity are key driving forces.

First time on the list

For Lars Hultman, Professor of Thin Film Physics at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, this is the first time he has appeared on the list.

Photographer: Olov Planthaber

“Being included in such rankings is, of course, a recognition of long-term and dedicated research efforts,” he says. “It also facilitates international collaborations, where such a reputation carries considerable weight.”

He sees the recognition as a result of the research taking place in materials physics at LiU.

“It’s really a recognition of the materials-focused, cross-disciplinary work that my group does and that LiU promotes,” he says. “To some extent, it also reflects how we craft our research articles and the journals we choose for publishing our findings.”

Christian Kowalkowski, Professor of Industrial Marketing at the Department of Management and Engineering, also features on this year’s list. He has previously been recognised by Clarivate as one of the most cited researchers in his field.

“It is both a privilege and a pleasure to once again be named among the Highly Cited Researchers,” he says. “More importantly, it serves as evidence that the research we carry out in close collaboration with companies and organisations resonates with the wider academic community. LiU provides an environment that fosters creativity and long-term perspectives, which I believe are essential for achieving lasting impact.”

A man presenting to an audience, engaging the crowd with his speech and visual aids.Photographer: Teiksma Buseva

Global impact

Clarivate’s ranking is based on analyses of publications in the Web of Science and includes researchers whose articles are among the most cited in the world. The distinction highlights those whose work has had significant and lasting influence within their fields. Only a very small proportion of the world’s researchers qualify.

This year, Clarivate awarded 7,131 Highly Cited Researcher distinctions to 6,868 researchers from more than 1,300 institutions across 61 countries and regions. Of these, 3,569 researchers were recognised for cross-disciplinary impact, and 258 qualified in two or more research fields.

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Read more about LiU’s past placements on the Highly Cited Researchers list

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