Best Plant Science and Agronomy Universities in France 2026

Scope of Research Considered

A total of 279,971 scientist profiles, identified through a range of bibliometric sources, were reviewed for the 2024 ranking. Out of these, 14,876 scientist profiles specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were rigorously analysed. To qualify for inclusion, scientists needed a D-index threshold of at least 30, with the majority of their significant publications concentrated in Plant Science and Agronomy. Researcher awards and achievements in the field were also taken into account.

The D-index threshold for top scientists is set in increments of 10, calibrated to the total number of scholars in each discipline, with the aim of ensuring that the leading 1% of scholars are represented. Further, a proximity of 30% or less was required between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index, to confirm genuine discipline focus. Recognition of awards and field-specific achievements was further incorporated into the evaluation, reinforcing the ranking’s commitment to both quantitative and qualitative excellence.

Verification and Quality Assurance Practices

The Research.com team recognizes that raw bibliometric data, on its own, is never absolute in evaluating scholarly impact. Therefore, every scientist profile underwent manual verification, with cross-correlation against publication records in multiple reputable sources to ensure accuracy and validity. Although the number of articles published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not used as a direct influence on rank, it is acknowledged as a meaningful secondary indicator of scientific contribution.

Ranking positions are founded on H-index values sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, the most respected and comprehensive bibliometric databases available to the global research community. This dual-source approach, combined with extensive manual verification, underscores the reliability and meticulousness of the Research.com ranking process. For a detailed exploration of all methodological criteria and selection mechanisms, please consult our methodology page.

Research.com Agenda and Mission

The Research.com ranking serves a broader mission: to inspire scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to track the directions and innovations of top experts. By highlighting distinguished scholars and leading institutions, our rankings provide valuable insights for the entire research community—enabling members to discover who the leading experts are in specific disciplines, in different countries, and across research institutions.

Key Results of the 4th Edition Ranking

• Top 3 French Universities by Number of Leading Scientists in Plant Science and Agronomy:
  • University of Paris-Saclay (7 scientists)
  • University of Lorraine (6 scientists)
  • University of Montpellier (6 scientists)
• Most Prominent Institutions Globally:

  The world’s leading scholars in Plant Science and Agronomy are affiliated with outstanding institutions such as The Ohio State University, Utrecht University, China Agricultural University, Curtin University, University of Birmingham, Australian National University, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Nanjing Agricultural University, Murdoch University, and University of Dundee.

• Top Individual Scholars:
  • Professor Rattan Lal (The Ohio State University) – Ranked #1 globally with a D-index of 188
  • Mark Stitt (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology) – Ranked #2 globally with a D-index of 161
  • Pedro W. Crous (Utrecht University) – Ranked #3 globally with a D-index of 157
• Statistical Highlights:
  • The average total D-index for the top 5% universities is 1,325, compared to an overall average of 202 across all 699 ranked institutions.
  • The average number of published articles in Plant Science and Agronomy by scientists in the top 5% institutions is 4,638, standing against an average of 727 for all institutions in the ranking.
  • The average number of citations for researchers at the top 1% universities is 279,971, while the average across all 699 institutions is 46,531.

These results underline the exceptional concentration of talent and research output in a select group of global and French institutions, demonstrating the comprehensive and objective analysis that serves as the foundation of the Research.com Best Plant Science and Agronomy Universities ranking.