597 HKU Scholars Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists

Nearly 600 HKU scholars were recognised on Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists list, with the University leading local institutions in both ranking categories.

An emerging ranking that identifies scholars who are among the most cited in their respective fields, Stanford’s Top 2% Scientists list is compiled in two categories: career-long impact and recent research influence. The ranking aims to recognise both lifelong scholarly achievement and current research excellence.

In 2026, HKU had 502 scholars named in the single-year impact category, which reflects recent research influence, and 406 scholars named in the career-long impact category, which recognises longer-term scholarly contribution. In each category, HKU recorded the highest number of scholars among local universities.

Globally, 49 HKU scholars were ranked in the top 100 for single-year impact, while another 49 were ranked within the global top 100 for career-long impact.

In the single-year impact rankings, Professor Bing Zhang, Global STEM Scholar, Chair of Astrophysics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, was ranked 4th globally in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Professor Guochun Zhao, Mok Sau-King Professor, Chair of Earth Sciences, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science, was ranked 6th globally in Geochemistry and Geophysics.

Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development), Chair of Global Sustainability, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences and Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, was ranked 9th globally in Geological and Geomatics Engineering.

In the career-long impact rankings, Professor Guochun Zhao ranked 6th overall in his field. Other HKU scholars ranked among the global top 10 in their fields include Professor Hongjie Dai, Sapientia Eminence Professor and Chair of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, who ranked 9th in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; and Professor Fan Sheung-tat, Emeritus Professor and Honorary Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, who ranked 10th in Surgery.

HKU’s global reputation has grown in recent years, with the University ranked 11th in the world and 1st in Asia, according to QS.