For more than a decade, their discoveries have advanced their fields, shifted research trajectories, and become foundational reading for scientists worldwide. Now, for the second consecutive year, ten faculty in Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing have earned a place among the world’s most influential researchers—scholars whose work in materials science, energy, health, and sustainability is helping define the future of scientific discovery. Eight were recognized in materials science alone, placing Rice firmly on the global stage of research leadership.
The Highly Cited Researchers list, compiled by Clarivate’s Web of Science, identifies scholars whose work has influenced the direction of their fields over the past decade. This year, 6,868 researchers across 60 countries earned the distinction for producing papers that rank among the most cited in the world.
“Being named a Highly Cited Researcher reflects influence, not simply output,” said Luay Nakhleh, William and Stephanie Sick Dean of Engineering and Computing at Rice. “These faculty are contributing work that other researchers consistently rely on. Their recognition speaks to the strength and relevance of Rice’s research enterprise.”
According to Web of Science, Highly Cited Researchers represent a small group whose scholarship plays a central role in advancing global scientific progress.
Rice Engineering and Computing's 2025 Highly Cited Researchers include:
- Pulickel M. Ajayan, Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor of Engineering
- Pedro J.J. Alvarez, George R. Brown Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Menachem Elimelech, Nancy and Clint Carlson Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a joint appointment in chemical and biomolecular engineering
- Naomi J. Halas, University Professor, Stanley C. Moore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Shihong Lin, associate professor civil and environmental engineering (joining January 2026)
- Jun Lou, Karl F. Hasselmann Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering
- Aditya D. Mohite, William M. Rice Trustee Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, professor of materials science and nanoengineering, of electrical and computer engineering, and of chemistry
- Robert Vajtai, research professor of materials science and nanoengineering
- Omid Veiseh, professor of bioengineering, CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research, director of Rice Biotechnology Launch Pad
- Haotian Wang, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, of materials science and nanoengineering, and of chemistry