World's Best Scientists 2026 revealed!
VIEW LIST
Mart Saarma
Award Badge
Neuroscience
Finland
2026

D-Index & Metrics

Neuroscience

D-Index
90
Citations
35231
World Ranking
1101
National Ranking
7

Medicine

D-Index
91
Citations
35632
World Ranking
11630
National Ranking
128

Biology and Biochemistry

D-Index
92
Citations
35739
World Ranking
2190
National Ranking
13

Mart Saarma publication distribution in Neuroscience in 2026

The chart shows the distribution of publications by all Research.com ranked scientists in the field of Neuroscience in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where Mart Saarma sits on this spectrum.

38–47 publications: 18 scientists 48–57 publications: 79 scientists 58–67 publications: 193 scientists 68–77 publications: 323 scientists 78–87 publications: 406 scientists 88–97 publications: 452 scientists 98–107 publications: 539 scientists 108–117 publications: 505 scientists 118–127 publications: 522 scientists 128–137 publications: 469 scientists 138–147 publications: 456 scientists 148–157 publications: 459 scientists 158–167 publications: 397 scientists 168–177 publications: 383 scientists 178–187 publications: 350 scientists 188–197 publications: 302 scientists 198–207 publications: 306 scientists 208–217 publications: 262 scientists 218–227 publications: 242 scientists 228–237 publications: 220 scientists 238–247 publications: 203 scientists 248–257 publications: 174 scientists 258–267 publications: 176 scientists 268–277 publications: 175 scientists 278–287 publications: 125 scientists 288–297 publications: 116 scientists 298–307 publications: 127 scientists 308–317 publications: 128 scientists 318–327 publications: 99 scientists 328–337 publications: 89 scientists 338–347 publications: 78 scientists 348–357 publications: 96 scientists 358–367 publications: 66 scientists 368–377 publications: 59 scientists 378–387 publications: 65 scientists 388–397 publications: 54 scientists 398–407 publications: 48 scientists 408–417 publications: 49 scientists 418–427 publications: 34 scientists 428–437 publications: 31 scientists 438–447 publications: 30 scientists 448–457 publications: 31 scientists 458–467 publications: 36 scientists 468–477 publications: 40 scientists 478–487 publications: 35 scientists 488–497 publications: 30 scientists 498–507 publications: 23 scientists 508–517 publications: 26 scientists 518–527 publications: 20 scientists 528–537 publications: 23 scientists 538–547 publications: 20 scientists 548–557 publications: 20 scientists 558–567 publications: 17 scientists 568–577 publications: 14 scientists 578–587 publications: 20 scientists 588–597 publications: 20 scientists 598–607 publications: 19 scientists 608–617 publications: 18 scientists 618–627 publications: 17 scientists 628–637 publications: 11 scientists 638–647 publications: 11 scientists 648–657 publications: 11 scientists 658–667 publications: 8 scientists 668–677 publications: 7 scientists 678–687 publications: 11 scientists 688–697 publications: 10 scientists 698–707 publications: 4 scientists 708–717 publications: 6 scientists 718–727 publications: 5 scientists 728–737 publications: 5 scientists 738–747 publications: 9 scientists 748–757 publications: 9 scientists 758–767 publications: 3 scientists 768–777 publications: 7 scientists 778–787 publications: 7 scientists 788–797 publications: 6 scientists 798–807 publications: 2 scientists 808–817 publications: 2 scientists 818–827 publications: 7 scientists 828–837 publications: 0 scientists 838–847 publications: 9 scientists 848–857 publications: 3 scientists 858–867 publications: 1 scientists 868–877 publications: 3 scientists 878–886 publications: 6 scientists 887+ publications: 100 scientists
38 publications 887+

This scientist: 325 publications — 85th percentile

85% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 887 publications or more.

Mart Saarma D-index placement in Neuroscience in 2026

The chart shows the D-index (discipline H-index) distribution of Neuroscience scientists ranked by Research.com in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where Mart Saarma sits on this spectrum.

30–31 D-Index: 42 scientists 32–33 D-Index: 172 scientists 34–35 D-Index: 296 scientists 36–37 D-Index: 435 scientists 38–39 D-Index: 459 scientists 40–41 D-Index: 456 scientists 42–43 D-Index: 467 scientists 44–45 D-Index: 478 scientists 46–47 D-Index: 512 scientists 48–49 D-Index: 435 scientists 50–51 D-Index: 425 scientists 52–53 D-Index: 418 scientists 54–55 D-Index: 392 scientists 56–57 D-Index: 357 scientists 58–59 D-Index: 334 scientists 60–61 D-Index: 328 scientists 62–63 D-Index: 260 scientists 64–65 D-Index: 278 scientists 66–67 D-Index: 239 scientists 68–69 D-Index: 250 scientists 70–71 D-Index: 210 scientists 72–73 D-Index: 200 scientists 74–75 D-Index: 189 scientists 76–77 D-Index: 170 scientists 78–79 D-Index: 146 scientists 80–81 D-Index: 113 scientists 82–83 D-Index: 126 scientists 84–85 D-Index: 100 scientists 86–87 D-Index: 84 scientists 88–89 D-Index: 99 scientists 90–91 D-Index: 84 scientists 92–93 D-Index: 85 scientists 94–95 D-Index: 72 scientists 96–97 D-Index: 76 scientists 98–99 D-Index: 45 scientists 100–101 D-Index: 49 scientists 102–103 D-Index: 43 scientists 104–105 D-Index: 32 scientists 106–107 D-Index: 45 scientists 108–109 D-Index: 50 scientists 110–111 D-Index: 32 scientists 112–113 D-Index: 39 scientists 114–115 D-Index: 32 scientists 116–117 D-Index: 29 scientists 118–119 D-Index: 27 scientists 120–121 D-Index: 19 scientists 122–123 D-Index: 23 scientists 124–125 D-Index: 27 scientists 126–127 D-Index: 16 scientists 128–129 D-Index: 24 scientists 130–131 D-Index: 13 scientists 132–133 D-Index: 21 scientists 134–135 D-Index: 17 scientists 136–137 D-Index: 14 scientists 138–139 D-Index: 15 scientists 140–141 D-Index: 10 scientists 142–143 D-Index: 10 scientists 144–145 D-Index: 13 scientists 146–147 D-Index: 9 scientists 148–149 D-Index: 8 scientists 150–151 D-Index: 6 scientists 152–153 D-Index: 6 scientists 154–155 D-Index: 7 scientists 156–157 D-Index: 7 scientists 158–159 D-Index: 10 scientists 160–161 D-Index: 4 scientists 162 D-Index: 8 scientists 163+ D-Index: 100 scientists
30 D-Index 163+

This scientist: 90 D-Index — 89th percentile

89% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 163 D-Index or more.

Research.com Recognitions

  • 2026 - Research.com Neuroscience in Finland Leader Award
  • 2025 - Research.com Neuroscience in Finland Leader Award
  • 2015 - Member of Academia Europaea
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
  • Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)

Overview

Mart Saarma is affiliated with the University of Helsinki in Finland and has made substantial contributions in the fields of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, neuroscience, and medicine. Their research spans multiple subfields including cellular and molecular neuroscience, molecular biology, neurology, cell biology, and developmental neuroscience.

The scientist's research topics cover a diverse range of biological and neurological processes. Notable areas include nerve injury and regeneration, endoplasmic reticulum stress and disease, Parkinson's disease mechanisms and treatments, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms, RNA regulation and disease, RNA modifications and cancer, as well as autophagy in disease and therapy.

Frequent publication venues for Mart Saarma include:

  • bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
  • Journal of Parkinson s Disease
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • iScience
  • Journal of Biological Chemistry

The scientist's recent papers demonstrate active engagement in neurobiology and neurodegenerative disease research. Selected recent works include:

  • Antidepressant drugs act by directly binding to TRKB neurotrophin receptors (2021, Cell)
  • Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB (2023, Nature Neuroscience)
  • GDNF and Parkinson's Disease: Where Next? A Summary from a Recent Workshop (2020, Journal of Parkinson s Disease)
  • Neurotrophic Factors in Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Trials, Open Challenges and Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery to the Brain (2021, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience)
  • Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor protects and repairs dopamine neurons by novel mechanism (2021, Molecular Psychiatry)

Mart Saarma has collaborated frequently with several researchers, including:

  • Päivi Lindholm
  • Mati Karelson
  • Maria Lindahl
  • Merja H. Voutilainen
  • Vera Kovaleva

Recognition of the scientist's work includes election as a Member of Academia Europaea in 2015 and membership in the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Best Publications

  • The K+/Cl- co-transporter KCC2 renders GABA hyperpolarizing during neuronal maturation.

    Claudio Rivera;Juha Voipio;John A. Payne;Eva Ruusuvuori

  • The GDNF family: Signalling, biological functions and therapeutic value

    Matti S. Airaksinen;Mart Saarma

  • Regulation of cell fate decision of undifferentiated spermatogonia by GDNF.

    Xiaojuan Meng;Maria Lindahl;Mervi E. Hyvönen;Martti Parvinen

  • Defects in enteric innervation and kidney development in mice lacking GDNF

    José G. Pichel;Liya Shen;Hui Z. Sheng;Ann-Charlotte Granholm

  • GDNF signalling through the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase

    Pascale Durbec;Camelia V. Marcos-Gutierrez;Carol Kilkenny;Maria Grigoriou

  • Functional receptor for GDNF encoded by the c-ret proto-oncogene.

    Miles Trupp;Ernest Arenas;Michael Fainzilber;Ann-Sofie Nilsson

  • Multiple promoters direct tissue-specific expression of the rat BDNF gene

    Tõnis Timmusk;Tõnis Timmusk;Kaia Palm;Kaia Palm;Madis Metsis;Madis Metsis;Tõnu Reintam

  • Novel functions and signalling pathways for GDNF

    Hannu Sariola;Mart Saarma

  • BDNF-induced TrkB activation down-regulates the K+–Cl− cotransporter KCC2 and impairs neuronal Cl− extrusion

    Claudio Rivera;Hong Li;Judith Thomas-Crusells;Hannele Lahtinen

  • GDNF Family Neurotrophic Factor Signaling: Four Masters, One Servant?☆

    Matti S. Airaksinen;Alexey Titievsky;Mart Saarma

  • Antidepressant drugs act by directly binding to TRKB neurotrophin receptors

    Plinio C. Casarotto;Mykhailo Girych;Senem M. Fred;Vera Kovaleva

  • Mechanism of Activity-Dependent Downregulation of the Neuron-Specific K-Cl Cotransporter KCC2

    Claudio Rivera;Juha Voipio;Judith Thomas-Crusells;Hong Li

  • Novel neurotrophic factor CDNF protects and rescues midbrain dopamine neurons in vivo

    Päivi Lindholm;Merja H. Voutilainen;Juha Laurén;Juha Laurén;Johan Peränen

  • Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB

    Unknown

  • Development and plasticity of meningeal lymphatic vessels.

    Salli Antila;Sinem Karaman;Harri Nurmi;Mikko Airavaara

  • Rescue of hearing, auditory hair cells, and neurons by CEP-1347/KT7515, an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation.

    Ulla Pirvola;Liang Xing-Qun;Jussi Virkkala;Mart Saarma

  • Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor is required for bud initiation from ureteric epithelium.

    Kirsi Sainio;Petro Suvanto;Jamie Davies;Jorma Wartiovaara

  • Expression patterns of neurotrophin and their receptor mRNAs in the rat inner ear.

    Jukka Ylikoski;Jukka Ylikoski;Ulla Pirvola;Maxim Moshnyakov;Jaan Palgi;Jaan Palgi

  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin 3 mRNAs in the peripheral target fields of developing inner ear ganglia.

    Ulla Pirvola;Jukka Ylikoski;Jaan Palgi;Eero Lehtonen

  • Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Is Neurorestorative in Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

    Merja H Voutilainen;Susanne Bäck;Eeva Pörsti;Liisa Toppinen

  • Retarded Growth and Deficits in the Enteric and Parasympathetic Nervous System in Mice Lacking GFRα2, a Functional Neurturin Receptor

    Jari Rossi;Keijo Luukko;Dmitry Poteryaev;Antti Laurikainen

Frequent Co-Authors

Mikko Airavaara
Mikko Airavaara University of Helsinki
Hannu Sariola
Hannu Sariola University of Helsinki
Johan Peränen
Johan Peränen University of Helsinki
Matti S. Airaksinen
Matti S. Airaksinen University of Helsinki
Tõnis Timmusk
Tõnis Timmusk Tallinn University of Technology
Mati Karelson
Mati Karelson University of Tartu
Andres Merits
Andres Merits University of Tartu
Claudio Rivera
Claudio Rivera University of Helsinki
Pekka T. Männistö
Pekka T. Männistö University of Helsinki
Nisse Kalkkinen
Nisse Kalkkinen University of Helsinki

External Links

Personal website of Mart Saarma

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

Report an issue

We appreciate your kind effort to assist us to improve this page, it would be helpful providing us with as much detail as possible in the text box below:

Related Online Degrees & Career Pathways

For students passionate about neuroscience, there are flexible online study options to jumpstart your career. Many universities now offer an accelerated online bachelor's degree, allowing you to graduate faster and start working or continue your education sooner. This can be especially beneficial if you are eager to advance in the rapidly-evolving field of neuroscience.

When choosing your degree, it’s wise to consider your future earning potential. Programs in neuroscience, biology, psychology, or healthcare can be some of the highest paying majors. They are often also listed among the best majors in college for both job opportunities and salaries.

Financial concerns shouldn’t stand in the way of your education. There are many online colleges that take financial aid, making a neuroscience degree more affordable and accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Best Scientists Citing Mart Saarma

Kai Kaila

Kai Kaila

University of Helsinki

Publications: 60

Claudio Rivera

Claudio Rivera

University of Helsinki

Publications: 59

Carlos F. Ibáñez

Carlos F. Ibáñez

Karolinska Institute

Publications: 53

Josef M. Miller

Josef M. Miller

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Publications: 51

Atsuo Fukuda

Atsuo Fukuda

Hamamatsu University

Publications: 50

Takashi Shinohara

Takashi Shinohara

Kyoto University

Publications: 50

Masahide Takahashi

Masahide Takahashi

Nagoya University

Publications: 50

Yehezkel Ben-Ari

Yehezkel Ben-Ari

Neurochlore (France)

Publications: 49

Matti S. Airaksinen

Matti S. Airaksinen

University of Helsinki

Publications: 48

Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara

Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara

Kyoto University

Publications: 47

Eric Delpire

Eric Delpire

Vanderbilt University

Publications: 44

Eugene M. Johnson

Eugene M. Johnson

Washington University in St. Louis

Publications: 44

Tõnis Timmusk

Tõnis Timmusk

Tallinn University of Technology

Publications: 43

Jari P. T. Valkonen

Jari P. T. Valkonen

University of Helsinki

Publications: 41

Stephen J. Moss

Stephen J. Moss

Tufts University

Publications: 40

Bernd Fritzsch

Bernd Fritzsch

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Publications: 39

Trending Scientists

Peter Lunkenheimer

Peter Lunkenheimer

University of Augsburg

Jan Votýpka

Jan Votýpka

Charles University

Yunliang Long

Yunliang Long

Sun Yat-sen University

Stuart D. Blacksell

Stuart D. Blacksell

Mahidol University

Jeffrey S. Taube

Jeffrey S. Taube

Dartmouth College

Serge N. Schiffmann

Serge N. Schiffmann

Université Libre de Bruxelles

Takashi Muramatsu

Takashi Muramatsu

Nagoya University

Susan Y. Schwartz

Susan Y. Schwartz

University of California, Santa Cruz

Sandro M. Radicella

Sandro M. Radicella

International Centre for Theoretical Physics

Arno Zang

Arno Zang

University of Potsdam

Emmanuel Chapron

Emmanuel Chapron

University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès

Hisato Shima

Hisato Shima

Sony (Japan)

Steven T. Wereley

Steven T. Wereley

Purdue University West Lafayette

Carlos Vega

Carlos Vega

Complutense University of Madrid

Tommi Laukkanen

Tommi Laukkanen

University of Eastern Finland

Zheng Chen

Zheng Chen

University of Houston

Related Neuroscience Rankings & Guides

2026 Cheapest and Shortest Online Neuroscience Degree Programs That Pay Well: Cost, Duration, and Salary Outlook

2026 Cheapest and Shortest Online Neuroscience Degree Programs That Pay Well: Cost, Duration, and Salary Outlook
2026 Admission Requirements for Neuroscience Degree Programs

2026 Admission Requirements for Neuroscience Degree Programs
2026 Are There Any One-Year Online Neuroscience Degree Programs Worth Considering?

2026 Are There Any One-Year Online Neuroscience Degree Programs Worth Considering?
2026 Psychopharmacology Degree Master's Programs Accepting Students Now

2026 Psychopharmacology Degree Master's Programs Accepting Students Now
2026 Is Neuroscience a Hard Major? What Students Should Know

2026 Is Neuroscience a Hard Major? What Students Should Know
2026 Different Types of Psychopharmacology Degrees and Their Salaries

2026 Different Types of Psychopharmacology Degrees and Their Salaries
2026 How to Become a Neuroscientist: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook

2026 How to Become a Neuroscientist: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook
2026 How Fast Can You Get a Neuroscience Degree Online?

2026 How Fast Can You Get a Neuroscience Degree Online?
2026 Neuroscience vs. Psychology Degree: Explaining the Difference

2026 Neuroscience vs. Psychology Degree: Explaining the Difference
2026 What Requirements Do You Need for an Online Neuroscience Bachelor's Degree? Admission Rules, Credits & Eligibility

2026 What Requirements Do You Need for an Online Neuroscience Bachelor's Degree? Admission Rules, Credits & Eligibility
2026 How to Become a Neuropsychologist

2026 How to Become a Neuropsychologist
2026 What Prerequisites Do You Need for a Neuroscience Degree? Entry Requirements, Credits & Eligibility Rules

2026 What Prerequisites Do You Need for a Neuroscience Degree? Entry Requirements, Credits & Eligibility Rules

Recently Published Articles

2026 Financial Aid for Online Legal Studies & Law Bachelor's Degrees: FAFSA, Grants, and Scholarships

2026 Financial Aid for Online Legal Studies & Law Bachelor's Degrees: FAFSA, Grants, and Scholarships
2026 AI Master's Degrees for Marketing Professionals

2026 AI Master's Degrees for Marketing Professionals
2026 Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Careers That Do Not Require Graduate School

2026 Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Careers That Do Not Require Graduate School
2026 How to Become a CPS Worker: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook

2026 How to Become a CPS Worker: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook
2026 Oklahoma Psychology Licensure Requirements – How to Become a Psychologist in Oklahoma

2026 Oklahoma Psychology Licensure Requirements – How to Become a Psychologist in Oklahoma
2026 Can You Get a Data Science Degree Master's Without a Related Bachelor's Degree?

2026 Can You Get a Data Science Degree Master's Without a Related Bachelor's Degree?
2026 Online Construction Management Degree Master's Programs That Accept Transfer Credits

2026 Online Construction Management Degree Master's Programs That Accept Transfer Credits
2026 Cheapest and Shortest Online Spanish Degree Programs That Pay Well: Cost, Duration, and Salary Outlook

2026 Cheapest and Shortest Online Spanish Degree Programs That Pay Well: Cost, Duration, and Salary Outlook
2026 Competency-Based Online Electrical Engineering Master's Degrees

2026 Competency-Based Online Electrical Engineering Master's Degrees
2026 What Courses Do You Take in a Healthcare Administration Program?

2026 What Courses Do You Take in a Healthcare Administration Program?
2026 Cheapest Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Degrees That Pay Well: Tuition, Duration, and Earnings

2026 Cheapest Online Communication Disorders Bachelor's Degrees That Pay Well: Tuition, Duration, and Earnings
2026 Marketing Degree Programs With No GRE or GMAT Requirements

2026 Marketing Degree Programs With No GRE or GMAT Requirements
2026 Fastest Online Organizational Leadership Master's Degree Programs You Can Finish in Under 2 Years

2026 Fastest Online Organizational Leadership Master's Degree Programs You Can Finish in Under 2 Years
Best Online Colleges that Accept Low GPA for 2026

Best Online Colleges that Accept Low GPA for 2026
2026 How to Become a BCBA in Port St. Lucie, FL: Education Requirements & Certification

2026 How to Become a BCBA in Port St. Lucie, FL: Education Requirements & Certification
2026 HBCUs for Psychology Master's Programs

2026 HBCUs for Psychology Master's Programs
2026 How to Become an Electrician in Nevada

2026 How to Become an Electrician in Nevada
2026 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Higher Education

2026 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Higher Education
2026 Accounting Schools in Florida – How to Become a CPA in FL

2026 Accounting Schools in Florida – How to Become a CPA in FL
2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
2026 How to Become a Patient Advocate: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook

2026 How to Become a Patient Advocate: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook