World Online Ranking of Best Social & Humanities Scientists – 2023 Report

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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If you are trying to understand which scholars are shaping humanities and social sciences research in 2023, this ranking gives you a snapshot of who is leading, where they are based, and how Research.com evaluates academic impact. It also helps readers see how research strength is distributed across countries and institutions, and why those patterns matter for collaboration, hiring, and graduate study decisions.

This updated guide explains the 2023 ranking more clearly, highlights the most important findings, and shows how to use the results if you are a student, researcher, university leader, or policymaker. You will also find context on the methodology, what the D-index means, which regions and institutions stand out, and how online education and advanced degree pathways connect to research readiness.

Quick answer: what this ranking shows

Research.com’s 2nd edition of the annual ranking of the best scientists in social sciences and humanities identifies the scholars with the strongest research visibility and output in these fields based on published profiles and ranking criteria. The 2023 edition reviewed more than 6,200 scientist profiles on Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph, then applied discipline-based measures, publication contribution thresholds, and recognition factors to determine inclusion.

In plain terms, the list is a way to identify highly influential researchers in humanities and social sciences, compare countries and institutions, and understand which academic centers have the strongest concentration of recognized scholars.

How the ranking works

The ranking is designed to surface researchers whose work has had a substantial impact in humanities and social sciences. To be considered, scholars had to meet the D-index threshold of 30 when most of their publications were in humanities or social science. Inclusion also depended on three main factors: the discipline h-index, the share of publications within the field, and awards or achievements.

That makes the ranking more specific than a general citation list. It is not simply about overall publication volume. It is about field relevance, scholarly influence, and evidence of recognition within the discipline.

Why this ranking matters now

Humanities and social sciences research is increasingly connected to urgent public debates, including public health behavior, environmental justice, migration, technology governance, and social policy. Universities, funders, and employers want to know which scholars are leading these conversations and where strong research ecosystems are developing.

For students and early-career researchers, the ranking can help identify possible mentors, institutions with strong research cultures, and areas where the field is moving. For decision-makers, it offers a practical view of where expertise is concentrated.

Latest discoveries shaping social science and humanities research

Social science and humanities scholarship spans politics, economics, philosophy, culture, education, and other fields that shape public life. Recent work includes studies on how mental health memes influence coping processes, as well as research on the politics of autonomous vehicles. These are not abstract topics; they affect communication, policy, ethics, and human behavior.

One notable line of research looks at models to predict intentions to vaccinate for COVID-19. That work identified socio-demographic, health-related, and personal belief factors that positively affected vaccination intentions. Findings like this matter because they can inform public health communication and policy design.

Another important area is environmental justice. Research in that area has connected global migration to environmental history and opened a new research agenda for social sciences and humanities in renewable energy studies. This kind of interdisciplinary work often changes how scholars, funders, and policymakers think about complex global problems.

Key findings from the 2023 ranking

• Scientists from the United States account for 502 scholars in the 2023 ranking, equal to 50.2% of the total list.
• The United Kingdom follows with 184 scientists or 18.4%, then Australia with 72 scientists or 7.2%, Canada with 58 scientists or 5.8%, the Netherlands with 35 scientists or 3.5%, and Germany with 29 scientists or 2.9%.
• 7 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
• In the 2022 edition, Harvard University led the institutional list with 34 affiliated scientists.
• Herbert A. Simon from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States is the top-ranked scientist in humanities and social science, with a D-index of 169.
• American universities make up 70% of the 10 top institutions, with the remaining institutions located in the United Kingdom and Canada.
• The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 139, compared with an average of 71 for all 1000 scientists in the ranking.

The full 2023 list of top humanities and social scientists is available here:

Top humanities & social scientists ranking

Which countries lead in humanities and social sciences?

The country distribution shows a strong concentration of research influence in the United States and the United Kingdom. This does not mean other regions lack strong scholars. It does mean that the ranking, as structured, is heavily shaped by institutional research output and visibility concentrated in a few academic systems.

The United States leads with 502 scientists, while the United Kingdom ranks second with 184. Australia holds third place with 72, followed by Canada with 58, the Netherlands with 35, Germany with 29, South Africa with 12, and France with 10.

Compared with the 2022 edition, the United States increased from 497 scientists to 502 in 2023. The United Kingdom decreased from 193 to 184. Australia and Canada remained unchanged at 72 and 58 respectively, while the Netherlands rose to 39 in the 2023 ranking.

China entered the top 10 countries in 2023 with eight scientists, replacing Sweden.

Note: the country assigned to a scholar reflects the affiliated research institution in MAG, not the scholar’s nationality.

Which institutions have the strongest showing?

Institutional results reveal where concentrations of highly cited and recognized scholars are located. In 2023, Harvard University led with 34 scientists, followed by the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with 19 and the University of Oxford with 17.

American institutions make up 70% of the top 10 list. The non-U.S. institutions in that group are based in the United Kingdom and Canada, including the University of Oxford, University College London, and the University of Toronto.

Among the institutions associated with the top 1% of scientists, several are outside the United States. These include the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom, Collège de France in France, and Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany.

Year over year, Harvard University moved from 31 ranked scientists in 2022 to 34 in 2023. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor declined from 21 to 19, while the University of Oxford rose from 5th place in 2022 to 3rd place in 2023 with 17 ranked scientists.

What the ranking suggests about online learning and research preparation

Online degree programs in the humanities and social sciences have expanded access to education and research preparation. Programs in political science, online economics degrees, and philosophy now give more learners a path into research-focused study without requiring relocation.

That matters because collaborative research is no longer confined to one campus. In Australia, the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Center supports international and multidisciplinary collaboration. This kind of infrastructure shows how digital learning, research centers, and cross-institutional networks can reinforce one another.

Online humanities and social science programs can also prepare students for humanities and social sciences careers. At Northeastern University, research is closely tied to experiential learning, and students may participate in fellowships and grants. Those opportunities can help both undergraduate and graduate learners build research experience, even in online formats.

Do accelerated degree paths help future researchers?

They can, but only if the program is aligned with the student’s goal. Accelerated paths are most useful for learners who need a faster route to foundational research skills, or who are trying to re-enter education after work experience. They are less useful for students who need a slower pace, more electives, or more time to explore a discipline.

For example, 1 year associate degree programs online may help students build basic academic momentum and develop transferable skills more quickly. The trade-off is that shorter programs usually leave less room for depth, specialization, and research-intensive coursework.

When do online doctoral programs make sense?

Online doctoral study can be a strong option for experienced researchers who need flexibility and want to continue working while completing advanced training. These programs often support interdisciplinary learning, advanced theory, and independent scholarship through digital delivery.

For students seeking a faster route, fastest doctoral programs may reduce time to completion. Still, students should be careful not to confuse speed with fit. The right doctorate is not just the shortest one; it is the one that supports the student’s research area, mentorship needs, licensure requirements, and career goals.

How program length affects research career progress

Shorter online doctoral programs can help researchers move into leadership roles sooner, but only if the academic structure remains rigorous. A compressed timeline may be useful for candidates with prior graduate training, clear research goals, and strong self-direction.

Programs such as the shortest doctorate degrees can support faster entry into the research job market. However, students should still evaluate dissertation support, faculty access, methodology training, and whether the program matches the expectations of employers or professional licensing boards.

Can accelerated online credentials open research pathways?

Yes, especially for learners who need to build momentum quickly. An associate degree in 6 months online accredited may provide an entry point into further study or research-related support roles.

These credentials are most valuable when they include practical training, transferable academic skills, and a clear bridge to the next educational level. On their own, they are rarely enough for advanced research positions, but they can be a useful first step.

How do specialized online degrees support collaboration?

Specialized online degrees can make collaboration easier by allowing scholars to work across time zones, institutions, and disciplines. That flexibility matters in humanities and social sciences, where research often intersects with education, policy, psychology, public health, and communication.

Programs with applied components, such as the online PsyD program, can strengthen practical research skills as well as theory-based knowledge. For students, the key question is not whether a degree is online, but whether it includes faculty support, project-based work, and real opportunities to engage with current research questions.

What do online master’s degrees add to research training?

Online master’s programs can deepen analytical ability, strengthen methodology, and help students move into more specialized research or policy roles. They are often a practical middle step for learners who are not ready for doctoral study but want more advanced preparation than a bachelor’s degree provides.

Because these programs can be completed with greater flexibility, they may suit working professionals or students who need geographic freedom. For a broader overview of graduate study options, see masters degree.

Why accreditation matters for online research education

Accreditation is one of the most important filters when comparing online programs. It helps confirm that the institution meets recognized academic standards, offers credible curricula, and maintains qualified faculty and review processes.

For research-oriented students, accreditation also affects transfer credit, graduate school admission, employer recognition, and in some cases licensure eligibility. Programs such as online military friendly colleges are one example of how institutions can combine accessibility with formal academic standards.

D-index leaders, averages, and regional standouts

The ranking also highlights leading scholars by region. These names are useful if you want to identify major figures in specific academic communities or explore the most influential work in a region.

The average D-index for the top 1% of scientists is 139, compared with 71 across all 1000 scientists in the ranking. The lowest D-index among scholars who still made the 2023 list is 58. The top 1% of scientists also average 620 published articles, while the full ranking averages 286.

How to use this ranking if you are a student, researcher, or institution

If you are a student, look at the ranking as a starting point for identifying strong departments, possible advisors, and institutions with deep research communities. If you are a researcher, use it to benchmark visibility in your field and spot potential collaborators. If you are part of a university or funding body, use it to understand where research concentration and recognition are strongest.

Questions to ask before using a ranking to make a decision

• Does the ranking reflect the exact field I want to study or work in?
• Are the institutions on the list strong in the specific subfield I care about?
• Does the program or scholar I am comparing have the right methodology, funding, and mentorship support?
• Are there accreditation, licensure, or transfer-credit issues I need to verify?
• Am I looking at outcomes that matter to me, such as research fit, publication culture, or career placement?

Common mistakes readers should avoid

• Assuming a ranking tells the whole story about quality.
• Choosing a program only because it is well known, without checking whether it fits the research area.
• Overlooking accreditation when evaluating online degrees.
• Confusing institutional location with a scholar’s nationality.
• Assuming shorter degrees automatically lead to stronger research careers.
• Ignoring whether the program provides access to advisors, research methods training, and dissertation support.

Current trends affecting humanities and social sciences research

Several forces are shaping the field right now. Interdisciplinary research is becoming more common, especially around public health, migration, technology, sustainability, and policy. Online education is also expanding access to graduate-level study, while employers and universities increasingly value demonstrable research skills, not just credentials.

At the same time, AI tools and digital databases are changing how scholars search, analyze, and organize information. That does not replace human scholarship, but it does raise expectations for data literacy, research transparency, and responsible use of digital tools.

How to compare programs or research pathways

1. Start with your goal: career entry, career advancement, research preparation, or specialization.
2. Check whether the program or institution is accredited and whether that accreditation is recognized in your country or field.
3. Review faculty profiles, dissertation support, research opportunities, and publication culture.
4. Compare total cost, not just tuition, including books, technology fees, and time away from work.
5. Look at delivery format, especially if you need asynchronous learning or part-time study.
6. Confirm that the degree aligns with licensure, transfer, or graduate admission requirements if those matter to you.

Methodology note

Research.com’s methodology can be reviewed here. Readers who want to evaluate the ranking more deeply should examine the criteria, profile screening process, and how discipline-specific inclusion was determined.

About Research.com

All research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., a computer scientist with a well-established record of collaboration on a number of international research projects with different partners from the academic community. His role was to make sure all data remained unbiased, accurate, and up-to-date.

Research.com is the number one research portal for science and educational rankings. Our mission is to make it easier for professors, research fellows, and students to progress with their research and find the top experts in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Research.com is also a leading educational platform that helps students find the best colleges, academic opportunities, and career paths.

Key insights

• The 2023 ranking identifies the most influential humanities and social science scholars by using field-specific impact measures, not just broad citation counts.
• The United States and the United Kingdom dominate the list, which reflects how strongly research visibility is concentrated in a few academic systems.
• Harvard University leads the institutional rankings, but several other universities in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, and Germany also appear among the strongest centers.
• The D-index helps show influence within a discipline, and the top 1% of scholars have a much higher average D-index and publication count than the full list.
• Online and accelerated degree pathways can support research preparation, but they work best when accreditation, mentorship, and program fit are checked carefully.
• For students and researchers, the best use of the ranking is not to chase prestige alone, but to identify fit, collaboration opportunities, and strong research ecosystems.