Unisa Scientists Shine: Ranked Among the World’s Top 2%

In addition, 18 Unisa scientists place among the top 2% based on career-long performance.

Now in its sixth iteration, the ranking encompasses standardised data on citations, h-index and a range of bibliometric indicators. Researchers on the list are classified into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields based on Science-Metrix’s established classification. The list uses Scopus data provided by Elsevier through ICSR Lab.

The Unisans who made the cut are as follows:

Unisa scientists ranked in the top 2% globally based on their recent-year (2024) contributions

• Prof Abdullahi Rashid Adem, College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET)
• Prof Emile F Doungmo Goufo, CSET
• Prof Eno E Ebenso, CSET
• Prof Hossein Jafari, CSET
• Prof Kasinathan Kaviyarasu, College of Graduate Studies (CGS)
• Prof Kebede K Kefeni (deceased), CSET
• Prof Alex T Kuvarega, CSET
• Prof Maalik Maaza, CSET
• Prof Lawrence Mzukisi Madikizela, CSET
• Prof Katherine M Malan, College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS)
• Prof Nelson Maldonado-Torres (research associate), CGS
• Prof Bhekie Mamba, CSET
• Dr Ben J Mans (research associate), College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
• Prof Vhahangwele Masindi, CSET
• Prof Titus Msagati, CSET
• Prof Godwell Nhamo, CEMS
• Prof Nicholas Odhiambo, CSET
• Prof Paul Prinsloo, CEMS
• Prof Sekhar Chandra Ray, CSET
• Prof Zenghui Wang, CSET

Unisa Scientists ranked in the top 2% globally based on their career-long contributions

• Prof Emile F Doungmo Goufo, CSET
• Prof Eno E Ebenso, CSET
• Prof Hossein Jafari, CSET
• Dr Antonieta (Annie) Jerardino (research associate), College of Human Sciences (CHS)
• Prof Kasinathan Kaviyarasu, CGS
• Prof MK Luhandjula, CEMS
• Prof Maalik Maaza, CSET
• Prof Lawrence Mzukisi Madikizela, CSET
• Prof Bhekie Mamba, CSET
• Dr Ben J Mans (research associate), CAES
• Prof Vhahangwele Masindi, CSET
• Prof Titus Msagati, CSET
• Prof Godwell Nhamo, CEMS
• Prof Nicholas Odhiambo, CSET
• Prof Sekhar Chandra Ray, CSET
• Prof Michael Scurrell (no longer associated with Unisa), CSET
• Prof Adeyinka Tella (distinguished professor and research associate), CHS
• Prof Johannes van der Merwe (deceased) CSET

This recognition not only underscores their achievements, but also reflects the collective excellence of Unisa’s research community.

Through the vision of its Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, of reclaiming Unisa’s place at the top tier of higher education institutions, the university is rapidly evolving and acknowledged globally as a leading university. The Stanford University/Elsevier ranking is yet another firm indication that Unisa not only meets but exceeds international standards of excellence in scientific research.