Professor Ülo Niinemets Ranked 6th in the World Among Plant Biologists and Botanists

In the latest ranking, the research impact of 189,757 scientists in the field of plant biology and botany was compared. Professor Niinemets’s position in 6th place worldwidelink opens in new page is a truly outstanding achievement, especially considering the inherent advantages that researchers from larger countries and major universities often have.

The Top 2% Scientists list takes into account several metrics, including the h-index, which reflects how often a scientist’s publications are cited by peers, as well as the number of publications and their scientific impact.

Professor Niinemets acknowledges that reaching this level in science has been possible thanks to the guidance of his mentors, Professor Olevi Kull and Professor John D. Tenhunen.
“Of course, the support of my family—especially my wife—has been essential, as well as the contribution of excellent colleagues. I believe my curiosity about the world and a certain lack of fear in tackling 'big' scientific questions have also played a key role. Ultimately, however, it all comes down to consistent, routine work,” Niinemets reflects.

Currently, Professor Niinemets is working on identifying unique microbes that enhance plant productivity, testing new crop species suited for a changing climate, and studying global patterns in plant pest resistance. Starting next year, he will launch a new project funded by the European Research Council (ERC), focused on the role of plants living in extreme environments within the biosphere.

In addition to yearly rankings, the list also assesses scientists’ career-long impact. In this lifetime perspective, Professor Niinemets is ranked 7th globally in plant biology and botany.

In the overall cross-disciplinary ranking that includes all fields of science, Niinemets holds the 698th position, making him by far the most internationally influential scientist from Estonia.

Top Scientists from the Estonian University of Life Sciences Also Included

The 2025 Top 2% Scientists list also features several other researchers affiliated with the Estonian University of Life Sciences:

• Food scientist Professor Rajeev Bhat
• Visiting professor and forest scientist John A. Stanturf
• Associate professor Sabarathinam Shanmugam, Chair of Biosystems Engineering
• Professor Alireza Fazeli, veterinary medicine
• Professor of forest pathology Rein Drenkhan
• Environmental engineer Juris Burlakovs

For more information about the ranking, see: https://topresearcherslist.com/Home/AboutUslink opens in new page.