PNNL

Clarivate recently announced its annual list of Highly Cited Researchers. The list distinguishes researchers who rank in the top one percent by cumulative citations in their field over a 10-year period, according to the company’s Web of Science™ citation index.

Clarivate’s 2021 Highly Cited Researchers list included 21 entries for PNNL—18 unique individuals, 16 with current primary or joint affiliation with PNNL. Two of the recent PNNL honorees are recognized in multiple categories.

Materials Sciences Expertise

For the fifth straight year, PNNL leads among Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories in the number of highly cited researchers in the Materials Science category. PNNL’s proficiency in materials sciences plays a vital role in advancing the nation’s energy priorities.

All of PNNL’s highly cited researchers in Materials Science channel their collective expertise toward breakthroughs in electrochemical energy storage. Among them is Jun Liu, an energy storage expert and PNNL joint appointee from the University of Washington. Liu is one of just 23 researchers in the world being recognized by Clarivate as highly cited in three or more distinct categories. He is listed under Chemistry, Engineering, and Materials Science. 

Cross-Discipline Prowess

Clarivate added a Cross-Field category in 2018. Since then, PNNL has ranked at or near the top among DOE national laboratories for the number of researchers listed. This year, six PNNL-affiliated researchers were recognized in the Cross-Field category, meaning their cumulative citations across multiple scientific disciplines qualifies them for the list.

“PNNL ranking high in the Cross-Field category on Clarivate’s annual list demonstrates our inclination to work across disciplines as we solve some of world’s most complex problems,” said Tony Peurrung, PNNL’s deputy director for science and technology. “PNNL is focused on many things—from fundamental science to sustainable energy to national security—and we appreciate the recognition that our leading researchers leverage this diversity of strengths to increase their impact.”

Meet the Researchers

Below are the PNNL scientists recognized on the 2021 Highly Cited Researchers list, by category. Some scientists are recognized in more than one category. (Note: Those who are no longer affiliated with PNNL are not listed.)

Cross-Field

• Katherine (Kate) Calvin, Earth Scientist
• Dan (Annie) Du (jointly affiliated with Washington State University)
• Mark Engelhard, Chemist
• G. Page Kyle, Earth Scientist
• James Stegen, Earth Scientist
• Wu Xu, Materials Scientist

Microbiology

• Janet Jansson, Lab Fellow, Biologist

Chemistry

• Jun Liu, Lab Fellow (jointly affiliated with University of Washington)

Engineering

• Jun Liu, Lab Fellow (jointly affiliated with University of Washington)
• Ji-Guang (Jason) Zhang, Lab Fellow, Materials Scientist

Materials Science

• Jun Liu, Lab Fellow (jointly affiliated with University of Washington)
• Yuyan Shao, Materials Scientist
• Chongmin Wang, Lab Fellow, Materials Scientist
• Jie Xiao, Lab Fellow, Materials Scientist
• Ji-Guang (Jason) Zhang, Lab Fellow, Materials Scientist

Plant and Animal Science

• Nate McDowell, Earth Scientist

Geosciences

• Phil Rasch, Lab Fellow, Earth Scientist
• Steven J. Smith, Earth Scientist