Lakshman Samaranayake Named China’s Top Oral Microbiology Scientist

CHINA: Lakshman Samaranayake has been recognised as the top oral microbiology scientist in China, securing the 11th position among all microbiology scientists in the country, according to the latest data published in the second edition of Research.com’s Microbiology ranking. Prof Samanarayake, who holds a world ranking of 494, is the Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of DRA Journal, the publication of Dental Resource Asia.

With an extensive academic background and a substantial body of work, Samaranayake’s accomplishments have earned him this prestigious recognition.

In the Hot Seat of Dental Journalism

Impressive Academic Profile and Achievements

Lakshman Samaranayake serves as the Professor Emeritus (Microbiomics) and Immediate Past Dean of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong. Notably, he boasts a remarkable D-index of 87, along with an impressive 22,862 citations and a portfolio comprising 628 publications.

The D-index threshold for inclusion in the researcher ranking is set at 40, primarily focusing on Microbiology publications. Selection criteria consider the D-index, the proportion of contributions within the specified area, as well as awards and achievements. This threshold is incremented by 10 based on the total number of assessed scientists, ensuring that the top 1% are recognised. A correlation of 30% or less between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index is anticipated.

A Career of Global Impact

Prof Samaranayake’s influence extends across multiple continents, having worked at prominent universities in the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and the UAE. With a current h-index exceeding 95, he has authored over 450 papers, including seminal texts, which collectively boast over 32,500 citations. His role as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Dental Journal further highlights his leadership in the dental community.

Serving as the Executive Dean of esteemed dental schools in Hong Kong and Australia at the Universities of Hong Kong and Queensland, Prof Samaranayake’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental. He is a sought-after speaker, having addressed audiences in approximately 40 countries. His contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious King James IV Professorship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Distinguished Scientist Award of the IADR.

Microbiology Excellence in China’s Research Landscape

The second edition of Research.com’s Microbiology ranking showcases Prof Samaranayake’s achievement within the context of China’s scientific community. The ranking, which relies on meticulously analysed data from various sources including OpenAlex and CrossRef, highlights his standing as the top oral microbiology scientist. The ranking’s methodology ensures a thorough evaluation of scholars, with both quantitative and qualitative measures taken into account.

China stands at the forefront of microbiology research, with 92 esteemed scientists contributing to its global prominence. The University of Hong Kong emerges as a hub of research excellence, housing 18 leading researchers in the field. South China Agricultural University also commands recognition with four scientists featured.

Leading Lights in China’s Microbiology Arena

Prominent figures in China’s microbiology landscape include representatives from prestigious institutions such as the University of Hong Kong, Zhejiang University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and more. Notably, Professor Kwok-Yung Yuen from the University of Hong Kong holds the top spot in China’s ranking with a distinguished D-index of 161, followed by Kwok-Hung Chan from the same institution with a D-index of 112. Lihua Xiao from South China Agricultural University secures the third spot with a D-index of 109.

The top 5% of scholars exhibit an average D-index of 116, significantly higher than the overall average of 60 for all 92 researchers listed in the ranking. In terms of scholarly output, the top 10% researchers contribute an average of 557 published papers, contrasting with the general average of 253 for all individuals in the list. Furthermore, the top 1% of researchers achieve an average citation count of 136,524, in contrast to the average of 19,409 for all 92 scientists.

These findings underscore the significant contributions and impact of researchers like Prof Lakshman Samaranayake in advancing microbiological knowledge and fostering excellence in China’s scientific landscape.