A global list which shows the top 1% of the world's most influential scientific researchers, shows that Ireland has 32 scientific pioneers, with 13 of them working with APC Microbiome Ireland, a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre based in University College Cork (UCC).

The Highly Cited Researchers 2020 list (Web of Science Group) recognises pioneers in their field whose citation records position them in the very highest strata of research influence and impact and includes 26 Nobel laureates. UCC has the highest number for any Irish university on the list (10) with Harvard University again named the top-performing institution, with 188 researchers making the list.

APC researchers were recognised as global leaders in fields such as food, therapeutics, microbiome and health. This year's success represents an increase from 2019 when nine APC researchers made the list. A total of 6,167 researchers from more than 60 countries were recognised, with the US continuing to dominate.

Within the human body and on our skin, trillions of bacteria and viruses exist as part of complex ecosystems called microbiomes. Microbiomes play an important role in human health and disease. APC Microbiome is the largest and oldest microbiome research institute in the world.

APC has established itself as a leading global centre in gut microbiota research and is currently working on research projects with many multinational food and nutrition corporations, as well as Irish SMEs.

'Ireland has a globally leading scientific community based here in Cork and it is tremendous to see the long standing culture of research excellence in APC. It draws effectively on the strengths of an interdisciplinary team of researchers, each competing at the highest level in their own discipline, while also working together collaboratively on challenges which require interdisciplinary perspectives. Sincere congratulations to each of the outstanding PIs' commented Professor Anita R. Maguire , Vice President for Research & Innovation at UCC.

'It is a tremendous feat to have 13 of our APC Microbiome Ireland researchers named on this year's Highly Cited Researchers list, which measures international peer recognition. APC has created an environment where research excellence can flourish and cross-disciplinary, collaborative research is promoted, illustrated by the number of our team listed in the cross-disciplinary category. This proves that Irish microbiome research is internationally recognised as being world-class' said Dr Sally Cudmore, APC's General Manager.

A total of 6,167 researchers from more than 60 countries were recognised, with the US continuing to dominate.

(C) 2020 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire