SAMRC researchers ranked among the world’s top researchers

South Africa has yet another reason to celebrate, as one of its own, Professor Rachel Jewkes, an executive scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), has been ranked among the world’s top researchers in social sciences and humanities. She has been ranked 85th in the world and number one in South Africa by the respected academic platform Research.com.

Research.com’s rankings are globally respected, relying on a rigorous methodology that evaluates the depth and influence of scholarly work across disciplines. The platform compiles data from a thorough analysis of over 166,000 scientists worldwide, employing metrics such as the D-index (Discipline H-index) and the impact of peer-reviewed publications. This makes Professor Jewkes’ accomplishment not only exceptional but also an authoritative testament to the global impact of her work.

This ranking has granted Professor Jewkes the 2025 Social Sciences and Humanities Leader Award. As a physician, public health expert, and social justice advocate, Professor Jewkes has built a remarkable career investigating the social dynamics that shape health, including gender-based violence, mental health, and inequality. Her work symbolises that science is not only about labs and data, but also about people, power, and compassion.

Speaking on the award, Professor Jewkes shared:

"It is a profound honour to receive this award and recognition. At the heart of health science is the human experience, and it is through social science that we can truly understand and transform that experience. I share this recognition with my colleagues across South Africa and beyond, whose commitment to research rooted in justice and impact inspires me every day."

Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the SAMRC, praised the achievement:

“Professor Jewkes ranking is a profound reminder that our greatest scientific advancements come when we centre humanity. South Africa is home to some of the most passionate and dedicated health researchers in the world, and Professor Jewkes’s global recognition is a tribute to that legacy. We are incredibly proud of her.”

Fellow SAMRC employees ranked by Research.com under the same field of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2025 are:

• Simon Lewin (Chief Specialist Scientist) ranked 6 in South Africa and 342 globally.
• Professor Charles Parry (former Unit Director) ranked 7 in South Africa and 399 globally.
• Catherine Mathews (Chief Specialist Scientist) ranked 17 in South Africa and 1746 globally.
• Dr Kristin Dunkle (Chief Specialist Scientist) ranked 26 in South Africa and 2933 globally.
• Professor Richard Matzopoulos (Director) ranked 30 in South Africa and 3116 globally.
• Professor Naeemah Abrahams (former Unit Director) ranked 31 in South Africa and 3170 globally.
• Professor Bronwyn Myers (Chief Specialist Scientist) ranked 33 in South Africa and 3324 globally.
• Professor Tanya Doherty (Chief Specialist Scientist) ranked 46 in South Africa and 5550 globally.