Stanford University has released its annual list of the world's top 2% most cited scientists for 2026. This recognition includes 16 researchers and academics from La Rochelle University, underscoring the institution's excellence in scientific research.
This distinction places La Rochelle University on the international scientific stage, particularly in key fields such as biology, earth and environmental sciences, information and communication technologies, generic and strategic technologies, engineering, and chemistry. It is a source of great pride for the institution.
The Stanford ranking, considered one of the most prestigious, is based on bibliometric data from the Scopus database. It analyzes over 8 million active scientists worldwide, focusing on 22 scientific fields and 176 sub-fields.
In the field of biology, several researchers from the CNRS and CEBC are recognized. Among them, Frédéric Angelier, Christophe Barbraud, Vincent Bretagnolle, Olivier Chastel, Yves Cherel, Christophe Guinet, and Henri Weimerskirch are cited for their work in ecology, ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, and marine biology, particularly on animal population responses to environmental changes and climate change.
In earth and environmental sciences, Virginie Duvat K.E., a university professor at LIENSs and a senior member of the Institut Universitaire de France, is recognized for her expertise on tropical islands and the impacts of climate change on coastal areas. Xavier Bertin is cited for his research in oceanography on the hydro-sedimentary dynamics of coastal zones, while Paco Bustamente is recognized for his work in ecotoxicology on pollutant bioaccumulation.
In information and communication technologies, Thierry Bouwmans, an HDR lecturer at MIA, is recognized for his work in artificial intelligence and image analysis, particularly in detecting moving objects in challenging environments.
For generic and strategic technologies, university professors at LaSIE, Xavier Feaugas, Fernando Pedraza Diaz, and Philippe Refait, are distinguished for their research in physical metallurgy, materials, and steel corrosion.
Finally, in engineering, Professor Emilio Bastidas-Arteaga from LaSIE is recognized for his research aimed at improving the robustness of infrastructure against climate change. In chemistry, Professor Laurent Picot from LIENSs is cited for his research on marine and terrestrial natural products for biotechnological applications.
