Six SB Professors Among Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers

Michael Grätzel, Xile Hu, Tobias J. Kippenberg, Mohammad Nazeeruddin, Henning Stahlberg, and Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin. Credit: EPFL

Michael Grätzel, Xile Hu, Tobias J. Kippenberg, Mohammad Nazeeruddin, Henning Stahlberg, and Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin. Credit: EPFL

Michael Grätzel, Xile Hu, Tobias J. Kippenberg, Mohammad Nazeeruddin, Henning Stahlberg, and Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin, six professors at EPFL’s School of Basic Sciences (SB), have been included in the prestigious list of most Highly Cited Researchers in 2024.

The Highly Cited Researchers ranking is published each year by Clarivate to recognize scientists who have “authored multiple Highly Cited Papers™ which rank in the top 1% by citations for their field(s) and publication year in the Web of Science™ over the past decade.” Highly Cited Researchers™ account for just 1 in 1000 of the world’s scientists and social scientists.

This year, six professors at EPFL’s School of Basic Sciences, Michael Grätzel, Xile Hu, Tobias J. Kippenberg, Mohammad Nazeeruddin, Henning Stahlberg, and Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin, have been included in the prestigious list.

Michael Grätzel

Professor Michael Grätzel, head of the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to the development of dye-sensitized solar cells (Grätzel cells), which have revolutionized solar energy technology. His pioneering research in the field of photovoltaics and renewable energy has inspired advancements in energy conversion and storage systems worldwide. Grätzel is among the most-cited researchers in chemistry, reflecting the global impact of his work on sustainable energy solutions.

Xile Hu

Professor Xile Hu, who leads the Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis, is renowned for his innovative research in catalysis and electrochemical energy conversion. Hu's contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of electrocatalysis for water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction. He has also developed novel homogeneous and bio-catalysis for organic synthesis. He is an inventor of next-generation anion exchange membranes for energy devices.

Tobias J. Kippenberg

Professor Tobias J. Kippenberg, head of the Laboratory of Photonics and Quantum Measurements, is a pioneer in optomechanics and nanophotonics. His research explores the interaction of light with mechanical vibrations at the nanoscale, with applications in quantum technologies and precision measurements. Kippenberg's influential work has laid the foundation for new scientific discoveries and technological innovations in the realms of photonics and quantum science.

Mohammad Nazeeruddin

Professor Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin is a leading authority in the field of perovskite solar cells and molecular photovoltaics. His research focuses on developing high-performance materials for energy conversion and storage. Nazeeruddin’s work on stable and efficient perovskite-based devices has been instrumental in advancing solar energy technologies, earning him widespread recognition as a highly influential scientist in energy research.

Henning Stahlberg

Professor Henning Stahlberg, head of the Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, is a world expert in high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). His research involves elucidating the structures of complex biological systems at the atomic level, providing deep insights into the mechanisms of molecular machines. Stahlberg's work is advancing our understanding of fundamental biological processes and has transformative implications for drug discovery and structural biology.

Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin

Professor Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin is a prominent researcher in the field of photovoltaics and energy storage. His work complements the development of dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, focusing on enhancing their efficiency and stability. Zakeeruddin's contributions to material science and solar energy technologies have been widely recognized, cementing his position as a key figure in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

The six are joined by another seven EPFL researchers also included in the 2024 Highly Cited list: Christophe Ballif, Andras Kis,Athanasios Nenes, Andrea Ablasser, Johan Auwerx, Gioele La Manno, and Matthias Lutolf.