2026 H. Robert Horvitz: Molecular Biology Researcher – H-Index, Publications & Awards

Discipline name	D-Index	World Ranking	Current World Ranking	National Ranking	Current National Ranking	Publications	Citations
Molecular Biology	140	126	111	83	73	272	96347

Research.com Recognitions

2026 - Research.com Molecular Biology in United States Leader Award
2025 - Research.com Molecular Biology in United States Leader Award
2015 - Fellow, National Academy of Inventors
2005 - Member of the European Academy of Sciences
2002 - Gruber Prize in Genetics
2002 - Nobel Prize for their discoveries concerning genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death'
2001 - Genetics Society of America Medal
1994 - Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
1991 - Member of the National Academy of Sciences
1989 - Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Overview

H. Robert Horvitz is affiliated with MIT in the United States and conducts research primarily in the field of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. Their work focuses on various subfields including Molecular Biology, Aging, Cell Biology, Endocrine and Autonomic Systems, and Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience.

The research topics covered by Horvitz's publications include:

Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
Circadian rhythm and melatonin
RNA Research and Splicing
Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms
CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
Cellular transport and secretion

Recent papers authored or co-authored by Horvitz include:

C. elegans discriminates colors to guide foraging, 2021, Science
Replication stress promotes cell elimination by extrusion, 2021, Nature
H3.3 Nucleosome Assembly Mutants Display a Late-Onset Maternal Effect, 2020, Current Biology
An hourglass circuit motif transforms a motor program via subcellularly localized muscle calcium signaling and contraction, 2021, eLife
The pro-apoptotic function of the C. elegans BCL-2 homolog CED-9 requires interaction with the APAF-1 homolog CED-4, 2024, Science Advances

Frequent co-authors in Horvitz's research are:

Rita Droste
Steven R. Sando
D. Ghosh
Dong-Yeop Lee
Ji Na Kong

Horvitz's publications have appeared most frequently in the following venues:

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Science
Nature
Current Biology
eLife

Among notable recognitions, Horvitz has received a number of awards and honors such as:

Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2015)
Member of the European Academy of Sciences (2005)
Nobel Prize (2002) for discoveries concerning genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death
Gruber Prize in Genetics (2002)
Genetics Society of America Medal (2001)
Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1994)
Member of the National Academy of Sciences (1991)
Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (1989)

Best Publications

MicroRNA expression profiles classify human cancers

Jun Lu;Gad Getz;Eric A. Miska;Eric A. Miska;Ezequiel Alvarez-Saavedra

11815
Citations
The 21-nucleotide let-7 RNA regulates developmental timing in Caenorhabditis elegans

Reinhart Bj;Slack Fj;Slack Fj;Basson M;Pasquinelli Ae

6734
Citations
Post-embryonic cell lineages of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans

J.E. Sulston;H.R. Horvitz

6430
Citations
Mutations in the FUS/TLS gene on chromosome 16 cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

T. J. Kwiatkowski;D. A. Bosco;D. A. Bosco;A. L. LeClerc;A. L. LeClerc;E. Tamrazian

3047
Citations
MicroRNA Expression in Zebrafish Embryonic Development

Erno Wienholds;Wigard P. Kloosterman;Eric Miska;Ezequiel Alvarez-Saavedra

1938
Citations
C. elegans cell survival gene ced-9 encodes a functional homolog of the mammalian proto-oncogene bcl-2

Michael O. Hengartner;H.Robert Horvitz

1727
Citations
C. elegans Locomotory Rate Is Modulated by the Environment through a Dopaminergic Pathway and by Experience through a Serotonergic Pathway

Elizabeth R Sawin;Rajesh Ranganathan;H.Robert Horvitz

1433
Citations
Odorant-selective genes and neurons mediate olfaction in C. elegans

Cornelia I. Bargmann;Cornelia I. Bargmann;Erika Hartwieg;H. Robert Horvitz

1426
Citations
Heterochronic mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

V Ambros;HR Horvitz

1149
Citations
EGG-LAYING DEFECTIVE MUTANTS OF THE NEMATODE CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

Carol Trent;Nancy Tsung;H. Robert Horvitz

1061
Citations
The lin-41 RBCC gene acts in the C. elegans heterochronic pathway between the let-7 regulatory RNA and the LIN-29 transcription factor.

Frank J. Slack;Michael Basson;Zhongchi Liu;Victor R. Ambros

1032
Citations
Microarray analysis of microRNA expression in the developing mammalian brain

Eric A Miska;Ezequiel Alvarez-Saavedra;Matthew Townsend;Matthew Townsend;Akira Yoshii

1004
Citations
THE C. ELEGANS PROTEIN EGL-1 IS REQUIRED FOR PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH AND INTERACTS WITH THE BCL-2-LIKE PROTEIN CED-9

Barbara Conradt;H.Robert Horvitz

880
Citations
Chemosensory neurons with overlapping functions direct chemotaxis to multiple chemicals in C. elegans

Cornelia I. Bargmann;H.Robert Horvitz

853
Citations
CED-1 is a transmembrane receptor that mediates cell corpse engulfment in C. elegans.

Zheng Zhou;Erika Hartwieg;H.Robert Horvitz

823
Citations
Mechanisms of asymmetric cell division: two Bs or not two Bs, that is the question.

H.Robert Horvitz;Ira Herskowitz

751
Citations
Genetic control of programmed cell death in the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite germline.

T.L. Gumienny;E. Lambie;E. Hartwieg;H.R. Horvitz

740
Citations
Mutations that lead to reiterations in the cell lineages of C. elegans

Martin Chalfie;H.Robert Horvitz;John E. Sulston

739
Citations
The lin-12 locus specifies cell fates in caenorhabditis elegans

Iva S. Greenwald;Paul W. Sternberg;H. Robert Horvitz

738
Citations
EGL-10 Regulates G Protein Signaling in the C. elegans Nervous System and Shares a Conserved Domain with Many Mammalian Proteins

Michael R Koelle;H.Robert Horvitz

713
Citations

Frequent Co-Authors

Paul W. Sternberg California Institute of Technology

Erik M. Jorgensen University of Utah

Yishi Jin University of California, San Diego

Junying Yuan Harvard University

Eric A. Miska University of Cambridge

Peter W. Reddien MIT

Iva Greenwald Columbia University

Cornelia I. Bargmann Rockefeller University

John Sulston Wellcome Sanger Institute

Roel A. Ophoff University of California, Los Angeles

External Links

Wikipedia of H. Robert Horvitz Personal website of H. Robert Horvitz

If you think any of the details on this page are incorrect, let us know.

Related Online Degrees & Career Pathways

Exploring online study options related to Molecular Biology can open up diverse career paths. Many students pursue bridge programs, such as the cheapest bsn to msn online programs, which are ideal for those interested in combining biology knowledge with advanced nursing skills.

Choosing the right institution can make a big difference in your education. Not for profit online colleges are often recognized for their quality education, affordability, and flexible learning options. These schools are often preferred by students seeking a strong academic reputation.

If you have served in the military, or plan to, look for the best military friendly colleges. These schools provide tailored support and benefits that help make advanced degrees—including those linked to molecular biology—more accessible.

For those considering broader scientific or healthcare careers, there are top-rated msw online programs that blend life sciences with social impact. Each pathway has unique advantages, empowering students to connect their passion for biology with meaningful work.