Perth, Australia: Professor Rajeev Varshney, a leading researcher at Murdoch University‘s (MU) Food Futures Institute, has once again been recognised 11th consecutive year among the top percentile of scientists worldwide in the 2024 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list, underscoring his significant contributions to global food and nutrition security. He is currently the Director of the MU’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation and the WA State Biotechnology Centre. Food Futures Institute Adjunct Professor Xu Xun, Executive Director of BGI Group, China, has also earned a place on this year’s list.
Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list, established in 2001, is a global programme that identifies and celebrates the pinnacle of research impact and influence. This year, 6,886 designations were awarded to 6,636 individuals, with 313 Australian-based researchers listed.
Prof Varshney who celebrates his 11th inclusion, continues to lead the way globally for crop genomics research. His work, particularly his pangenome research for wheat, chickpea and other pulse and horticultural crops, has the potential to dramatically improve the agriculture sector by deciphering genomic architecture and delivering genetic solutions for developing crop varieties that are more resilient to external stresses, more adaptable to our changing climate, offer higher yields and more profit to farmers, and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices.
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Murdoch University Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of the Food Futures Institute, Professor Peter Davies, said, “This list features researchers from across the globe who are at the absolute top of their respective fields, so we’re very proud to have two FFI-affiliated academics in Prof Varshney and Adj. Prod Xun recognised.
“Special mention goes to Professor Varshney – appearing once is a great achievement, but appearing every year since 2014 encapsulates the tremendous effort he and his team make every day to address global food insecurity, sustainability in agriculture, and farmer profitability.”
Speaking on his impressive 11th inclusion on the list, Prof Varshney said, “This year has been a tremendously rewarding one in my professional capacity. We’ve made very exciting progress in the realm of pangenome research. We hosted a very successful event in the International Wheat Congress and I’ve also had the pleasure of receiving the Best Publication in STEMM Fields Award at the 2024 Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards. I’m determined to make 2025 another positive year for research and innovation at Murdoch University.”
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In addition to Prof Varshney and Adj. Prof Xun, three other Murdoch University academics, namely Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Director of the Australian National Phenome Centre, Professor Una Ryan from the Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, and Professor Elizabeth Phillips from the Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases were also included in the ranks of the world’s most impactful researchers.
Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Peter Eastwood, congratulated the researchers on their remarkable achievements. “The Highly Cited Researchers list is an exceptionally high mark of a researcher’s influence and an acknowledgement of the important work they are undertaking to advance global knowledge,” Professor Eastwood said.
“Murdoch continues to foster a culture of excellence in research and innovation, and the inclusion of these academics in the 2024 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list further solidifies their leadership.”
