Experts from Stanford University recently released the 2024 “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list based on Scopus author profiles. The list features the Lifetime Scientific Impact Rankings (1960–2023) and the Annual Scientific Impact Rankings, measuring long-term and recent research influence. Data were sourced from Scopus as of August 1, 2024, with citations counted through the end of 2023. Rankings are based on six metrics: total citations, h-index, co-author adjusted Hm-index, and citations as single, first, or last author.

Globally, both Lifetime and Annual Rankings grew by 6% compared to last year. Taiwan has 1,759 scholars in the Lifetime Rankings (+5%) and 1,407 scholars in the Annual Rankings (-1%). NTU leads locally with 232 scholars in the Lifetime Rankings, reflecting its sustained research excellence across Clinical Medicine, Engineering, ICT, and Applied Sciences.

In Taiwan, Applied Sciences dominates both rankings (55% in Lifetime, 41% in Annual), followed by Health Sciences (31% in Annual). Clinical Medicine shows the largest growth, rising from 273 → 313 scholars in the Lifetime Rankings and 336 → 357 in the Annual Rankings. Other disciplines with strong representation include Engineering, ICT, Enabling & Strategic Technologies, and Physics & Astronomy.

Among the top 25 Taiwanese universities with the most Top 2% scientists, NTU remains the leader, reflecting the university’s global impact and its pivotal role in cultivating highly influential researchers across multiple fields.