Five James Cook University scientists have been named in an elite group of ‘highly cited’ researchers as part of a worldwide survey of the impact of academic work.
The ratings are provided by the Web of Science Group and represent scientists who have demonstrated significant influence through publication of multiple highly cited papers during the past decade.
Citations are logged when a scientist’s work is referenced by another scientist to help build their own research.
Around 6,200 researchers have been named as Highly Cited Researchers in 2019. The JCU researchers are:
Professor Geoff Jones who focuses on larval dispersal and population connectivity in marine fish populations, marine conservation biology and the effective design of marine reserve networks, and the responses of coral reef fishes to changes in habitat structure.
Professor Morgan Pratchett’s current research focuses on major disturbances that impact coral reef ecosystems, with a view to understanding differential responses and vulnerabilities among coral reef organisms.
Professor Philip Munday’s primary research focuses on understanding and predicting the impacts that climate change will have on populations and communities of marine fishes, both directly through changes in the physical environment and indirectly through effects on coral reef habitat.
Professor Terry Hughes is the Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, headquartered at JCU. His research focuses on the linkages between the ecology of reefs and their importance for societies and economies.
Professor Bill Laurance’s research focuses on the impacts of intensive land-uses, such as habitat fragmentation, logging, hunting and wildfires, on tropical forests and their biodiversity.
James Cook University congratulates professors Jones, Pratchett, Munday, Hughes and Laurance on the recognition of their extensive contribution to their fields at a consistently high level.
