The field of social science and humanities research covers many sectors, including politics, economics, and philosophy. According to Research.com, which released the 2nd edition of its annual ranking of best scientists in this area of specialisation, several South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) researchers featured and were included in the top 50 within South Africa.
This report on the leading scholars offers the academic community more visibility and exposure to the influential research contributions made by those at the forefront of humanities and social sciences. For the 2023 edition of the ranking, more than 6,200 scientist profiles on Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph have been examined, with several indicators and metrics reviewed to consider each scientist’s inclusion in the ranking. The inclusion criteria for scholars to be considered for the ranking of top scientists are based on the discipline h-index, the proportion of contributions made within the given discipline, and the awards and achievements of the scientists.
Within its ranks, the SAMRC boasts a wealth of esteemed researchers that are renowned both nationally and internationally. With respect to the number of researchers in the field of Social Science and Humanities, South Africa ranked 7th globally, with 13 of the researchers featured in the list being affiliated with the organisation.
Based on the report findings, Rachel Jewkes - Executive Scientist for Research Strategy & Secretary of the Sexual Violence Research Initiative, tops the ranking in South Africa and holds the 96th spot in the world ranking.
Also making the list was:
- Charles Parry – Director, Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit at #5 in South Africa and #471, globally
- Simon Lewin – Chief Specialist Scientist, Health Systems Research Unit at #6 in South Africa and #482 in the world.
- Stephen Tollman – Director, Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit at #8 in South Africa and #506 globally.
- Catherine Mathews - Chief Specialist Scientist, Health Systems Research Unit at #17 in South Africa and #1774 in the world.
- Kristin Dunkle - Chief Specialist Scientist, Gender and Health Research Unit at #21 in South Africa and #2940 in the world.
- Karen Hofman - Director, Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science at #22 in South Africa and 3176 in the world.
- Richard Matzopoulos – Director, Burden of Disease Research Unit at #25 in South Africa and #3579 in the world.
- Arvin Bhana – Chief Specialist Scientist, Health Systems Research Unit at #27 in South Africa and #3803 in the world.
- Naeemah Abrahams – Director, Gender and Health Research Unit at #28 in South Africa and #3935 in the world.
- Bronwyn Myers – Associate Staff, Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit at #33 in South Africa and #4463 in the world.
- Mark Collinson – Co-Director, South African Population Research Infrastructure Network at #36 in South Africa and #4871 globally.
- Helen Schneider – Director, Health Services to Systems Research Unit at #40 in South Africa and #5221 globally.
The report aims to inspire researchers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs around the world to find out where leading experts are heading. It also represents a great opportunity for all of us to learn who are the leading experts in different research areas, in different countries, and within different universities and research institutions.
The SAMRC congratulates these esteemed scientists and researchers on their excellent work and this international recognition. Being present within the ranking is definitely a great achievement for them personally as well as of that of their respective research institutions.
South Africa is lucky to have such experienced researchers working on issues of concern for the country and aiding the organisation in delivering on its mandate of improving the health and well-being of all its citizens.
The full ranking for South Africa is available | HERE
The full world ranking is available | HERE
Read an article summarizing the statistics and trends from the ranking report | HERE