Scripps Research scientists make annual Highly Cited Researchers list
Featured scientists represent a wide range of fields including chemistry, microbiology, immunology, neuroscience and more
November 19, 2024
LA JOLLA, CA—Ten scientists at Scripps Research, an increase from last year, have been named to Clarivate’s annual Highly Cited Researchers™ list for 2024. This group represents individuals who have demonstrated significant and broad influences in their fields of study, according to the global analytics company Clarivate. Highly Cited Researchers rank in the top 1 percent by citations for their field and publication every year in the Web of Science™ citation index.
“The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at Scripps Research whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community,” says David Pendlebury, head of research analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate. “Their pioneering innovations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable and secure world. These researchers’ achievements strengthen the foundation of excellence and innovation that drives societal progress.”
Scripps Research scientists named in 2024’s list include:
Chemistry
- Phil Baran, PhD, professor of Chemistry and Dr. Richard A. Lerner Endowed Chair
Baran investigates methods that drive the scalable, sustainable production of natural organic molecules into viable therapies while avoiding traditional process barriers.
- Jin-Quan Yu, PhD, professor of Chemistry and Bristol Myers Squibb Endowed Chair in Chemistry
Yu has led ground-breaking research into powerful new chemical techniques that are used across drug discovery and materials science.
Microbiology
- Dennis Burton, PhD, professor and Chair of Immunology and Microbiology; and James & Jessie Minor Chair in Immunology
Burton has made significant contributions to ongoing efforts to create vaccines for HIV and potential pandemic viruses, including coronaviruses.
- Ian Wilson, PhD, Chair of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology; and Hansen Professor of Structural Biology
Wilson’s research is focused on viral pathogens, vaccine design and structural imaging of the immune system—which has led to a greater understanding of SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1 and influenza.
- Andrew Ward, PhD, professor of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology
Ward studies viruses and pathogens using integrative structural biology techniques. His lab revealed the very first structure of a human coronavirus spike protein in 2016, which helped enable vaccine design for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cross-field
- Ardem Patapoutian, PhD, professor of Neuroscience and Presidential Endowed Chair in Neurobiology
Patapoutian is focused on researching protein sensors that allow humans to feel different chemical and physical stimuli, including pain, temperature and pressure. His work—the first to uncover these sensors—was recognized with the 2021 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology.
- David Nemazee, PhD, professor of Immunology and Microbiology
Nemazee studies immune response and tolerance and his work has contributed greatly to the understanding of vaccinology, including methods to target HIV and influenza.
- Meng Yuan, PhD, institute investigator of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology
Yuan’s research focuses on immune recognition of microbial pathogens, antigen presentation and structure-based design of vaccine and therapies.
- Eric Topol, MD, Executive Vice President and professor of Molecular Medicine; Director and Founder of Scripps Research Translational Institute; and The Gary and Mary West Chair of Innovative Medicine
Topol’s scientific focus is on the ability of genomic and digital data, and artificial intelligence to individualize medicine across healthcare landscape.
- John Yates, PhD, professor of Molecular Medicine
Yates is the lead inventor of the SEQUEST software and algorithm, a critical foundation in the field of proteomics that has advanced the accuracy and effectiveness of mass spectrometry.
Baran, Burton, Wilson and Yu have all previously been featured as a Highly Cited Researcher. This is Patapoutian’s and Yates’ seventh, and Topol’s fifth time appearing on the list. Amalio Telenti, a Scripps Research adjunct professor whose primary affiliation is Vir Biotechnology Inc., also made the list’s cross-field category.
For more information, contact press@scripps.edu