How to become a highly cited researcher?
Highly-cited researcher?
How many citations consider as “high”? and how to achieve this?
Why is increasing citations important? How to become a highly-cited researcher? [Download highly-cited researcher list 2014-2025]
There is a general definition to be identified as a “highly cited” researcher, which is “having a high number of citations to be among the top 1% in your own field(s) based on your previous publications in the Web of Science™ over a specific timeline”. In another article, we reported the ranking of highly-cited countries, which shows that only the US and China have more than 50% of the World’s total share of highly-cited researchers. As you can see, becoming a highly cited researcher is not a task that happens in one day; you need to consistently publish high-quality research papers. Nowadays, many researchers are looking for possible ways to increase their citations in Google Scholar, ResearchGate, or Scopus. In a more recent post, we discussed 20 proven strategies to increase your citations, but in this post, we will provide a short guideline on “How to become a highly-cited researcher”:
Table of Contents:
a) Focus on high-quality research 👨🏫
b) Enhance your network within the field 🫂
c) Revisit your publishing strategy ✍️
d) Using CitePal to increase citations 🪴
e) Download Highly-Cited Researchers List (2014-2025) 💾
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Become a Highly-Cited Researcher? ❓
How to increase citations of your research paper?
Fortunately, there are several ways you can boost your citation count. High-quality scientific publications will pay you back in the end, but the main question is: Is there a way to catalyze this process?
If you are aiming to become a highly cited researcher by increasing your citation count, you should consider these points:
1. Focus on high-quality research
Our studies show that timely research works that solve an important problem in the field with novel ideas are more prone to high citation. For instance, the pioneer who works on graphene, DNA, and the COVID-19 vaccine will receive more attention from the researchers. Therefore, if you aim to become a highly cited researcher in your field and have a high citation number, you should avoid publishing low-quality papers and instead focus on timely research works of high quality.
2. Enhance your network within the field
How can your work be seen and get more citations if you do not engage effectively with your field? Studies show that research works from scientists with more interaction with the field have a higher chance of increasing citations. Interaction with the field includes participating in conferences, promoting your recent works on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.), and participating in workshops and mentorship activities. To summarize, let the field know that this will allow your works to be seen, which will finally increase your citation number.
3. Revisit your publishing strategy
To become a highly cited researcher, you should have a solid publishing strategy. Publishing strategy includes the total share of research/review works you publish yearly, publishing in open-access journals, and making your work available as soon as possible as a preprint before publication. These are important as they will help you gain more citations for your research papers and finally boost your total citations.
4. Using CitePal to increase citations
After taking into account all three of the above-mentioned points, you may notice that these are time-consuming strategies to get more citations. Therefore, if you are looking for more rapid and organic strategies to improve your citations, you should consider CitePal citation services.
You can use CitePal services to increase the total citations of your scientific publications with no limitations, which will help you become a highly cited scientist by increasing your citation count. Increasing your citations will increase your h-index and boost your reputation. Feel free to browse our packages for more information.
5. Download Highly-Cited Researchers List (2014 to 2025)
Download our comprehensive archive of the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format, featuring a full historical record from 2014 to 2025. This collection serves as a definitive record of highly cited researchers who have demonstrated broad influence through multiple ESI highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% of their fields globally. Accessing the Clarivate highly-cited data over this 11-year period allows for deep analysis of academic trends and provides critical evidence for benchmarking research excellence. Whether you are tracking the leading figures in your discipline or gathering high-impact data for a green card petition, these records offer the most accurate insights into who is truly highly cited on a global scale.
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2014)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2015)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2016)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2017)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2018)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2019)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2020)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2021)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2022)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2023)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2024)
Download the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list in Excel format (2025) 🆕✨
❓ Frequently Asked Questions on How to Become a Highly-Cited Researcher?
What does it mean to be a highly cited researcher?
Being highly cited means your research publications rank in the top 1% of citations for your specific field and year. To achieve this status, highly cited researchers must consistently produce high-quality, impactful work that is recognized and referenced by peers globally, often leading to a spot on the Clarivate highly cited researchers list.
How can I qualify for the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list?
You qualify by publishing multiple papers that rank in the top 1% of citations within the Web of Science. The Clarivate highly cited researchers list specifically identifies individuals who have demonstrated significant influence through the publication of several ESI highly cited papers over the previous decade.
What are ESI highly cited papers?
These are publications that receive enough citations to rank in the top 1% of their academic field during a specific period. These ESI highly cited papers are the essential building blocks for any academic professional aiming to earn the prestigious clarivate highly-cited designation and boost their global reputation.
What are the best strategies to become one of the highly cited researchers?
Focus on high-quality research, networking, and a proactive publishing strategy. To be recognized among highly cited researchers, you should target timely topics, publish in open-access journals, and use services like CitePal to help your work gain the visibility needed to become highly cited.
Why is the Clarivate highly-cited status important for my career?
It serves as a premier validation of your research impact and professional authority. Earning a place on the Clarivate highly cited researchers list can significantly improve your h-index, enhance your eligibility for prestigious visas like the EB-1, and solidify your status as a highly cited leader in your discipline.
Written by the CitePal Editorial Team, specializing in academic metrics and USCIS citation standards for EB-1A, EB-1B, NIW petitions, and citation boosting services. Our data is derived from 500+ successful applicant profiles.