In a proud moment for Odisha, as many as 59 scientists and faculty members from the state have been featured in the prestigious ‘World’s Top 2% Scientists’ list released by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. The global list is compiled on the basis of extensive research metrics including citations, h-index, co-authorship, and a composite score called the c-score, which reflects both career-long and recent research performance.

Among the institutions from Odisha, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University has seen the highest representation with 20 researchers making it to the list. NIT Rourkela has 18 faculty members featured, while KIIT University has six. Two scientists each have been recognised from IISER Berhampur, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR), and Sambalpur University. One researcher each has been named from CIPET, FM University, Ravenshaw University, GIET University in Gunupur, Government College of Engineering in Keonjhar, the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, and Sri Sri University.

Notably, Prof. Luna Samanta, Head of the Zoology Department at Ravenshaw University, has also been included in this year’s list for her significant contributions to global scientific research. Her inclusion is a matter of pride for the institution as well as the state. On the national level, a total of 6,239 Indian faculty members have found a place in the Stanford ranking under the single-year category, which evaluates recent research impact. Odisha’s strong presence with 59 names highlights the state’s growing prominence in higher education, research, and innovation.

The Stanford-Elsevier list is considered one of the most authentic and comprehensive global assessments of research impact. It not only recognises the influence of scientists across different disciplines but also serves as an inspiration for young researchers and students in India. Odisha’s remarkable representation this year is being seen as a testimony to the state’s rising academic excellence and contribution to global scientific advancement.