Recognizing the world’s most influential researchers, whose groundbreaking work is shaping global innovation and societal impact
When Alfred Nobel established his Nobel Prizes, he sought to honor those whose contributions had “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” Were he alive today, he might have described this as ‘societal impact.’ This concept lies at the heart of the Citation Laureates™ program – whereby we identify researchers whose groundbreaking work continues to shape global innovation and frequently creates tangible, real-world benefits. These individuals have made discoveries and written foundational research papers that are not only exceptionally highly cited but have had a far-reaching influence on their fields and often on the public.
This year’s Citation Laureates have made significant contributions in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry and Economics – disciplines recognized by the Nobel Foundation. Their work tackles critical global challenges including clean energy, nanotechnology, 3D protein structures, the economic impact of corruption, heart disease, molecular dynamics, quantum computing, genetic imprinting and condensed matter physics. They address some of the world’s most pressing challenges – aligning closely to Nobel’s vision of societal progress.
Global recognition for driving societal impact
The program highlights the importance of fostering a diverse, inclusive research community, one that draws on talent from different regions and backgrounds. This year’s honorees represent a diverse group from around the world – originating from Canada, Croatia, Japan, Kenya, Israel, India, Italy, South Africa, Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom. They are based at esteemed institutions such as the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, the University of Cambridge, Shinshu University and Google DeepMind.
The science of identifying future Nobel Laureates
The Citation Laureates program is rooted in a data-driven approach to recognizing research excellence. We look to exceptionally highly cited papers – those that have typically amassed more than 2,000 citations over decades in the fields recognized by the Nobel Foundation. Citation counts serve as a powerful indicator of a researcher’s influence, reflecting how often their work is referenced by peers in advancing new discoveries. Nobel recognition typically occurs 20 or more years after a breakthrough discovery – highlighting a need for the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)™ to navigate the long timeframe between research and its societal application.
Our selection process incorporates a qualitative review alongside the citation data analysis. This involves considering the history of the research, the key contributors, whether there is corroboration of the achievement in the form of recognition by other international prizes, as well as previous Nobel Prizes and the apparent ‘taste’ of the Nobel committees and Assembly reflected in those choices.
Proven track record of forecasting Nobel success
Since 2002, 75 Citation Laureates have gone on to receive a Nobel Prize. This success underscores the predictive power of citation metrics and qualitative analysis as one method to identify researchers whose works has had – and will continue to have – profound global societal impact.
A commitment to advancing research and innovation
As we celebrate the Citation Laureates 2024, we not only acknowledge their impressive contributions to global knowledge but also anticipate how their research will continue to shape the future. Their work reflects the highest ideals of scholarship and human ingenuity, reminding us that societal impact, which Alfred Nobel sought to honor, is an outstanding return on our investments in fundamental research.
Learn more about this year’s Citation Laureates, including recent interviews, the selection process and our track record in forecasting Nobel Prize recipients, on our website.
