Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers List Explained
Every year Clarivate publishes a list of researchers whose publications rank in the top 1 % for citations within their subject areas. Being named a Highly Cited Researcher signifies that a scholar’s work has consistently attracted a high volume of scholarly attention, indicating both influence and relevance on a global scale.
For the 2025 edition, the selection process combined quantitative data from the Web of Science database with qualitative assessment. Researchers were evaluated on citation counts, the proportion of highly cited papers, and the breadth of impact across multiple years. The outcome is a roster of scholars who have set a standard for excellence and are frequently sought after as collaborators or advisory experts.
Trinity’s Three Professors Make the Spotlight
On 12 November 2025, three distinguished staff members from Trinity College Dublin achieved the honor:
- Professor Valeria Nicolosi – a leading investigator in biomaterials and tissue engineering.
- Professor Alan Irvine, MD DSc – a pioneer in dermatologic research and personalized medicine.
- Professor Jonathan Coleman – a prominent figure in the study of rare skin disorders and molecular genetics.
Each of these scholars demonstrates the type of sustained, high-impact research that Clarivate seeks to recognize. Their work spans from fundamental science to translational projects that directly benefit patient care.
Valeria Nicolosi: Engineering Biomaterials for Healing
Professor Nicolosi’s laboratory focuses on the development of advanced biomaterials that can support tissue regeneration. By integrating polymer science with cellular biology, her team has created scaffolds that accelerate wound healing and reduce scar formation. Her research, which now features over 10,000 citations, has informed both academic protocols and commercial implant designs.
“Its a great honour to receive this very prestigious recognition for the seventh year in a row,” she said. The repeated acknowledgment underscores her group’s continuous contribution to the field, including collaborations with clinicians and industry partners.
Alan Irvine: Translational Dermatology and Skin Health
With a career spanning more than three decades, Professor Irvine’s focus sits at the intersection of basic research and clinical application. His investigations into the pathophysiology of common skin conditions—eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancers—have led to new therapeutic protocols that reduce patient burden and improve long-term outcomes.
He remarked, “It is very rewarding to have this work recognised. It’s the sum of 30 years of collaborative work that has required the generosity of tens of thousands of patients, hundreds of brilliant scientific collaborators, and tens of millions in funding from charitable and government bodies.” The citation record reflects the global reach of his work, with key publications serving as reference points for dermatology departments worldwide.
Jonathan Coleman: Rare Genodermatoses and Genetic Insights
Professor Coleman’s expertise lies in rare genetic skin diseases, where molecular diagnostics and patient registries are crucial. His deep exploration of the genetic underpinnings of conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa has facilitated the development of gene‑editing therapies and personalized care plans.
In his statement, he highlighted the impact on patients: “My real hope is that this work has helped to improve the lives of people living with both common and rare skin diseases.” The high citation density of his research underscores its value as a foundation for future clinical trials and therapeutic approaches.
Why This Recognition Matters for Trinity College Dublin
For an institution, the presence of Highly Cited Researchers signals a culture of excellence and positions the university as a leader in research worldwide. This can translate into:
- Increased attractiveness to prospective students and postdoctoral researchers.
- Greater success in securing competitive funding from national and European bodies.
- Enhanced partnerships with industry and healthcare providers.
- A stronger reputation that supports interdisciplinary initiatives across the college’s schools.
Trinity’s custodianship of these accolades reflects the robust support system for academics, including state‑of‑the‑art facilities, generous research grants, and a collaborative network that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.
How Researchers Can Aim for Similar Impact
The journey to becoming a Highly Cited Researcher is a long‑term commitment. Below are actionable strategies that scholars across disciplines can apply to enhance their citation footprint and overall influence.
1. Publish in High‑Visibility, Peer‑Reviewed Journals
Choosing the right journal matters. Aim for publications in journals with strong impact factors and broad readership. Open‑access options can increase discoverability, but ensure compliance with their policies and that the journal maintains rigorous peer review.
2. Target Collaborative Projects with International Scope
Collaborations with researchers in multiple countries can broaden the audience base for a study. Joint publications often generate more citations because they tap into collaborators’ local networks and stakeholder communities.
3. Engage in Translational Work That Addresses Real‑World Problems
Studies that directly influence clinical guidelines, public health policy, or technological applications are often cited by a diverse range of scholars and practitioners. Positioning research in the pipeline from bench to bedside increases relevance and citation likelihood.
4. Build a Robust Online Presence
Ensure your work is easily searchable: use descriptive titles, structured abstracts, and appropriate keywords. Maintain scholarly profiles (e.g., ORCID, Google Scholar) and promote papers through institutional repositories and social media platforms tailored for academics.
5. Monitor and Respond to Citation Metrics
Regularly review citation indices to identify which papers garner traction and why. Use this insight to refine future research questions and publication strategies.
Practical Steps for Aspiring Researchers at Trinity
New graduate students and postdoctoral fellows looking to join Trinity’s research community can take the following actions to align with the university’s high‑impact ethos:
- Attend Trinity’s research events and workshops to stay updated on cutting‑edge topics.
- Seek mentorship from senior faculty, particularly those recognized by Clarivate or other high‑impact indices.
- Consider interdisciplinary projects that cross the boundaries of medicine, biology, and engineering.
- Apply for internal grant programmes that support innovative, high‑risk, high‑reward research.
- Leverage the university’s networking platforms to connect with external collaborators and industry partners.
For Students and Professionals Interested in Pathways to Impact
Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate, a professional seeking advanced training, or a clinician looking to enhance your research footprint, Trinity College Dublin offers resources that help you build a career aligned with high‑citing potential:
- Research Centres that bring together multidisciplinary teams.
- Graduate programmes in science and technology with industry partnerships.
- Post‑doctoral fellowships that provide seed funding and mentorship.
- Professional development workshops focused on manuscript preparation, grant writing, and data management.
Next Steps – How You Can Take Advantage of Trinity’s Research Excellence
Exploring Trinity’s world‑class research infrastructure can pave the way for new collaborations and career growth. To get started:
- Visit the Trinity research portal for updates on funding opportunities and research highlights.
- Schedule a call with an academic advisor to discuss how your research interests align with Trinity’s strategic focus areas.
- Apply for graduate programmes that emphasize research-oriented learning and provide early exposure to high‑impact projects.
- Follow Trinity’s research updates on social media for timely insights into breakthrough studies.
- Use the university’s publication guides to optimize your manuscripts for maximum visibility.
Conclusion
The 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list showcases the talent and influence of Trinity College Dublin’s research community. Through meticulous, interdisciplinary work, Professors Nicolosi, Irvine, and Coleman exemplify the standards that researchers worldwide aspire to reach.
Researchers can replicate this success by focusing on high‑impact publications, fostering international collaboration, translating discovery into practice, and harnessing the university’s supportive ecosystem. Whether you are just starting your research career or looking to elevate an existing body of work, Trinity’s resources and recognition programs provide a solid foundation for sustained academic excellence.
Take action now: Explore Trinity’s graduate programmes to discover how you can contribute to groundbreaking research. Register for upcoming research webinars to gain insights from leading experts and to network with peers who are shaping the future of science.
