University academics added to list of the world’s leading scientists

Five leading academics from the University of Derby have been added to a prestigious global list of the world’s top scientists for 2026.  

The ‘World Ranking Top 2% Scientists’ list, which is created by and updated annually by Stanford University, identifies influential researchers across a range of disciplines based on their published research.

The University of Derby has increased its representation in the ranking this year, with a total of 16 academics on the list.

The ranking, which includes over 100,000 scientists, is based on two datasets; one career-long and one focusing on the previous year, showing how frequently academics are cited according to a range of measures. 

Data is collated from the Scopus database in August 2026; a large, multidisciplinary abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature that is curated by experts who are recognised as leaders in their field.  

The University of Derby academics added to the list for 2026 for their innovative research are: Professor Neil Campbell (Emeritus Professor of American Studies), Stephen Lokier, (senior lecturer in Applied Sedimentology and GeoEnergy), Reza Safari (senior lecturer Prosthetics and Orthotics), Professor David Sheffield (Professor of Psychology) and Dmitry Zaitsev (senior lecturer in Software Engineering).

They join 11 fellow University of Derby academics who are already on the list.  

Professor Myra Conway, Provost for Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “It is tremendous to see so many of our academics at the university featured in the world rankings.

“This recognition highlights their global research influence, academic excellence, and the significant contributions they make to advancing knowledge with their disciplines.

“It is a real testament to the high-impact research, innovation and leadership that our academics bring to their fields. 

“This recognition further strengthens the University of Derby’s reputation for delivering excellent research that is both internationally recognised and impactful.

“For our academics, inclusion in these rankings reflects the influence, credibility and leadership they have established within their respective disciplines.”