World Online Ranking of Best Plant & Agronomy Scientists – 2023 Report

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Plant science and agronomy are no longer niche research areas. They are central to crop resilience, soil health, climate adaptation, and global food security. If you are deciding where to study, whom to collaborate with, or which institutions have the strongest research presence, a scientist ranking can give you a fast starting point. But it should be used carefully. Rankings can highlight influence and concentration of expertise, yet they do not replace a close look at research fit, funding, facilities, and mentoring quality.

This guide breaks down Research.com’s 2023 plant science and agronomy scientist ranking in a more practical way. You will learn what the ranking measures, what the major country and institutional patterns mean, how to use the results for graduate study or collaboration planning, and where citation-based rankings can mislead if used on their own.

Quick answer: What does the 2023 plant science and agronomy ranking show?

Research.com’s 2023 report identifies leading scientists in plant science and agronomy using publication impact and citation-based indicators. More than 2,500 researchers were reviewed, and 1,000 scientists were included in the final list. To qualify, a researcher generally needed a D-index of at least 30, with most publications in plant science and agronomy.

You can view the full list here: World’s Best Plant & Agronomy Scientists Ranking.

What the ranking is really measuring

The ranking is built to identify researchers whose work has been widely cited and visibly influential within plant science and agronomy. That makes it useful for spotting established scholars and institutions with strong output in the field. It is less useful for judging day-to-day mentorship, teaching quality, lab culture, or local agricultural impact.

For newcomers, the D-index is especially important. It is a discipline-focused citation indicator that aims to reflect scientific impact within a subject area rather than across all fields. In practical terms, a high D-index usually means a researcher has published extensively and those publications have been cited often by other scholars in the same area.

Why plant science and agronomy matter in 2026

The field matters because agriculture is under pressure from multiple directions at once: climate volatility, soil degradation, water scarcity, demand for higher yields, and the need to reduce environmental impacts. Research in plant genetics, crop physiology, soil systems, biotechnology, remote sensing, and sustainable production is shaping how farms respond to those pressures.

That is why this ranking is useful beyond academia. It can help students identify strong graduate programs, help faculty find potential collaborators, and help agricultural organizations locate subject-matter experts in crop improvement, soil management, plant stress tolerance, and food systems research.

Recent research directions shaping the field

Current plant science and agronomy research is increasingly practical. Scientists are not only studying how plants grow, but also how they respond to stress, how they use resources, and how biological processes can improve agricultural resilience.

One example is research on the FERONIA receptor-like kinase coordinates plant growth and salt tolerance through phyB phosphorylation. Work like this matters because salinity is a major constraint on productivity in many regions, and understanding stress pathways can support future crop improvement.

Another area of progress uses grazing-incidence diffraction to study cellulose and pectin organization in hydrated plant primary cell walls. That kind of work helps researchers better understand plant structure, growth, and tissue mechanics.

Researchers are also exploring extracting energy from plants by examining early-stage photosynthesis. These studies are still foundational, but they point to new ways plant science could support resource efficiency and future agricultural innovation.

Key findings from the 2023 ranking

• The United States has the largest presence in the 2023 report, with 272 scientists included.
• Only one scientist in the top 10 is based in the United States.
• The U.S. Agricultural Research Service is the most represented institution, with 28 affiliated scientists.
• Rattan Lal of the Ohio State University, United States, ranks first overall.
• The top 1% of scientists have an average D-index of 136.2, compared with 66.51 across all 1,000 scientists.

How to interpret the ranking without overreading it

A scientist ranking is best treated as a map of visibility and publication impact, not a complete measure of quality. Citation metrics can reflect productivity, collaboration size, field maturity, and years in research. They do not always capture mentoring strength, teaching, field leadership, or the value of highly specialized work that serves a narrow region or crop system.

Countries with the strongest representation

• The United States leads the 2023 ranking with 272 scientists, which is four more than in 2022. That equals 27.2% of the plant and agronomy ranking and a 0.40% increase from the prior year.
• Australia and the United Kingdom are tied for second place with 92 scientists each. Australia fell from 98, while the United Kingdom rose from 88 to 92.
• Germany follows with 75 scientists, then Canada with 51, China with 50, Spain with 48, and France with 35.
• The Netherlands and Japan, which were ranked 9th and 10th in 2022, are no longer in the 2023 top 10. Italy and Sweden now occupy those positions with 28 and 27 scientists, respectively.

The country assigned to each scientist is based on the affiliated research institution in MAG. It does not necessarily reflect the scientist’s nationality.

Institutions with the most leading scientists

Institution-level concentration can signal strong research infrastructure, broad graduate mentorship, active funding, and access to labs, field sites, or long-running projects. Still, a strong institution on paper is not automatically the right fit for every student or researcher. Department size, supervisor availability, and research specialization matter just as much.

• The U.S. Agricultural Research Service remains the top institution in 2023 with 28 scientists, the same figure reported in 2022.
• The University of California, Davis is second with 25 scientists.
• Other high-representation institutions include the University of Western Australia with 19 scientists, down by 4 from 2022; the Spanish National Research Council and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, each with 16 scientists; and the Chinese Academy of Sciences with 14 scientists.
• American universities make up 30% of the top 10 institutions in 2023, up by 10% from the previous year. The remaining top institutions are in Australia, Spain, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
• Only one scientist in the top 10 is affiliated with an institution in the United States.
• Germany’s Max Planck Institute has the highest number of scientists in the top 1%.
• Other institutions represented in the top 1% include the University of Birmingham and Rothamsted Research in the United Kingdom, the Australian National University, the China Agricultural University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

How to use the ranking for graduate study or research planning

The ranking becomes most useful when you connect it to a real decision. A prospective graduate student needs a different filter than a faculty member looking for collaborators or an agency seeking review experts. The right question is not simply “Who ranks highest?” It is “Who is doing the kind of work I need, in a place where I can actually study or collaborate?”

Is a graduate degree in plant science or agronomy worth it?

For many students, the answer is yes — if the goal is to move into independent research, advanced technical work, or leadership roles in research-intensive settings. A master’s or doctoral degree can build skills in experimental design, statistics, crop management, data interpretation, and grant writing. It can also open access to greenhouses, field stations, specialized equipment, and interdisciplinary teams.

Advanced study is often a good fit for people aiming at universities, government labs, seed and biotech companies, soil and environmental consulting, crop systems research, or sustainability-focused organizations. If you are comparing the broader payoff of graduate study, Research.com’s guide to the highest-paying graduate degrees may help you think through return on investment in a wider career context.

It may be a weaker choice if you want a quick route into the workforce, are unsure which subfield you want, or do not have access to research funding or hands-on training. In plant and agronomy disciplines, practical experience is often just as important as coursework.

When accelerated programs make sense

Accelerated degree programs can work well for students who already have a clear direction and want to finish sooner. They are most useful when the curriculum still includes strong research preparation, statistics, crop systems, lab exposure, and faculty mentorship.

The trade-off is time. A faster program may help you enter research or industry earlier, but it can leave less room for field seasons, deeper electives, internships, or thesis development. In plant science and agronomy, that matters because research often follows biological and agricultural cycles rather than academic calendars alone.

Accelerated doctorates: useful, but not for everyone

Shorter doctoral pathways can help highly focused students begin dissertation work quickly, especially when they already have a defined question, a supportive lab, and existing data or field trials. But doctoral research in plant science and agronomy often depends on seasons, growth cycles, and multi-stage experiments. If a program moves too quickly, training depth can suffer.

Students comparing doctoral formats can start with Research.com’s guide, What is the shortest doctorate program?, to better understand how program structure, pacing, and research expectations differ.

Online education in plant science and agronomy: where it helps most

Online learning is now a major part of higher education, and many institutions continue to expand digital options. Research.com has noted that more institutions are expanding their online programs, and 63% of students say online study is the best fit for their work and life responsibilities.

Online formats are especially effective for theory-based and data-heavy topics such as plant physiology, crop modeling, soil management, agricultural policy, GIS, remote sensing, sustainability, and statistics. They can be a strong option for working professionals, international learners, and people who need flexible scheduling.

But plant and agronomy education often requires direct experience with field plots, greenhouses, soil sampling, tissue analysis, or instrument-based lab work. Before choosing an online program, ask whether it includes residencies, lab intensives, local field placements, or guided research opportunities.

Examples of institutions offering online coursework or programs related to plant science and agronomy include Cornell University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Florida A&M University.

Can veterans use plant and agronomy programs as a career transition?

Yes. Veterans often bring discipline, logistics awareness, leadership, and field experience that transfer well into agricultural research and production systems. Good transition pathways usually include academic advising, credit review, mentorship, research exposure, and flexible scheduling.

If you are comparing schools, look for programs that support military benefits, career services, hybrid or online delivery, and opportunities to join faculty-led research. Research.com’s resource on online colleges for veterans can help military-affiliated learners compare cost-conscious options.

What military-friendly online universities can offer

Military-friendly online universities can widen access to education for learners who already have technical, operational, or leadership experience. In plant and agronomy fields, that can support work in food systems resilience, controlled-environment agriculture, resource management, and supply-chain planning.

When reviewing military friendly online universities, do not stop at the label. Check whether the program offers research participation, how credits transfer, whether faculty are active in agriculture-related scholarship, and whether hands-on requirements can realistically be completed.

Career paths and financial considerations in plant and agronomy research

Plant and agronomy research can lead to careers in universities, government agencies, seed and crop science companies, agricultural technology firms, environmental consulting, food production, soil conservation, biotechnology, and sustainability organizations. The best path depends on education level, specialization, and whether you want to work in basic research, applied research, or production support.

Common specialization areas include sustainable crop management, climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, plant breeding, plant pathology, remote sensing, data-driven agronomy, controlled-environment agriculture, and biotechnology. Salary outcomes vary widely by role, region, employer, degree level, and experience. There is no single guaranteed return, so students should compare program costs against realistic job targets rather than assuming a degree automatically leads to a higher paycheck.

For readers comparing broader degree-to-career outcomes, Research.com’s guide to the highest paid medical jobs with bachelor's degree shows another example of how education choices can shape long-term career planning.

How older learners can benefit from online study

Older adults and retired professionals may use online learning to refresh scientific knowledge, support community agriculture, contribute to conservation work, or build practical skills in sustainable farming and data analysis. Flexible study can be especially useful for people who want targeted learning rather than a full residential degree.

Before enrolling, decide whether you want a degree, certificate, or personal enrichment. Then check the technology requirements, course pacing, advising support, and any lab or field expectations. Research.com’s guide to online degrees for seniors over 60 can help compare flexible options.

Common mistakes when using scientist rankings

• Picking a graduate program because one famous scientist is there. That person may not be taking students, may be close to retirement, or may work in a different research area.
• Ignoring research fit. A highly ranked institution is not ideal if it lacks expertise in your crop, method, region, or applied problem.
• Reading country data as nationality data. The ranking uses institutional affiliation, not citizenship.
• Assuming early-career researchers are less valuable. Citation systems often favor scholars with longer publication histories.
• Looking only at rankings and skipping funding details. Assistantships, tuition support, and fieldwork budgets can matter more than rank.
• Expecting online programs to replace all hands-on training. Some subjects can be taught well online, but experiments, sampling, and greenhouse work often cannot.

Questions to ask before choosing a plant science or agronomy program

1. Which faculty are actively publishing in my intended topic?
2. Are they accepting new students or collaborators?
3. What labs, greenhouses, field sites, datasets, or crop trials are available?
4. How is graduate funding structured, and for how long is it available?
5. Does the program support publication, conference travel, and grant writing?
6. How much of the program is online, and what must be completed in person?
7. Where have recent graduates gone after finishing the program?
8. How does the curriculum balance plant biology, agronomy, statistics, technology, and field practice?
9. Are there partnerships with farms, government agencies, research institutes, or ag-tech companies?
10. How does the department assess success beyond citation counts?

Regional leaders in the ranking

The ranking also makes it easier to identify leading scientists by region. These names can help students and collaborators narrow their search to active experts working in specific geographic or institutional contexts.

The top 1% of scientists have an average D-index of 136.2, while the average across all 1,000 ranked scientists is 66.51.

The top 1% also average 637.6 published articles, compared with 226.73 across all 1,000 scholars.

The average citation count for the top 1% is 72, 882.4, compared with 17, 559.51 for all 1,000 scholars.

You can learn more about how the rankings are built on the methodology page.

Pros and cons of using the ranking

Practical steps for students and researchers

1. Start with the ranking to identify the most visible scientists in your area.
2. Read several of their recent papers, not just their profile page.
3. Check whether they are actively supervising students or taking on collaborators.
4. Compare labs and departments based on funding, facilities, and research fit.
5. Verify whether the program offers the hands-on training your work requires.
6. Ask how graduates and alumni have moved into research, industry, or public-sector roles.
7. Use citation impact as one factor, not the only factor.

Key insights

• Research.com’s 2023 plant science and agronomy ranking is most useful as a starting point for finding influential researchers and institutions, not as a final decision tool.
• The United States has the largest number of ranked scientists, but the strongest representation does not automatically mean the best fit for every student or project.
• Rattan Lal of the Ohio State University ranks first overall, while the U.S. Agricultural Research Service leads institutions with 28 scientists.
• D-index and citation counts are helpful measures of research visibility, but they do not replace evidence of mentoring quality, lab access, funding, or topic alignment.
• Students choosing a graduate program should compare research fit, hands-on training, costs, and career outcomes before relying on rankings.
• Online and accelerated options can broaden access, but plant science and agronomy often still require fieldwork, lab work, or other in-person components.

About Research.com

The research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., a computer scientist with extensive experience collaborating on international academic research projects. His role was to help ensure that the data used in the report remained unbiased, accurate, and current.

Research.com is a research and education platform focused on scientific rankings, academic resources, college information, and career guidance. Its goal is to help professors, researchers, students, and professionals find credible information, identify leading experts, and make better decisions about education and research pathways.