Recognizing Nobel-Class Research: The Power and Purpose of Naming Citation Laureates
Discover future Nobel Prize predictions from Clarivate through the Citation Laureates 2025 — a data-driven program that identifies researchers of Nobel-class impact whose work is transforming science and society.
Each year, the Citation Laureates program at Clarivate recognizes researchers of Nobel class whose work is not only highly influential but also transformative — advancing science and driving real-world change. These are individuals whose discoveries have reshaped our understanding of the world and, in our view, are worthy of the Nobel Prize.
Scientific breakthroughs often begin quietly. But they plant the seeds of progress, growing into discoveries that reshape our understanding and our world. The 2025 cohort of Citation Laureates includes 22 researchers who have significantly enhanced our knowledge and changed our understanding in critical areas such as energy storage, disease treatment, and workplace equity. They are affiliated with leading institutions in eight countries/regions: ten in the United States, three in France, two each in Germany, Japan, and Switzerland, and one each in Canada, Mainland China, and the Netherlands.
While Nobel Prize speculation is often driven by media buzz or intuition, our approach is different. The Citation Laureates program is rooted in data and expert analysis. We identify researchers whose work is widely cited by their peers and consistently recognized for its influence within their fields — a strong signal of Nobel-class achievement.
How we identify Nobel-class researchers
Our selection of Citation Laureates combines rigorous quantitative analysis with expert qualitative judgment. Using the rich, trusted data of the Web of Science Core Collection, we look at researchers whose publications have reached exceptionally high citation thresholds – usually in the top 0.02% globally – which is often a marker of exceptional influence.
But citation counts alone don’t tell the whole story. Our analysts at the Institute for Scientific Information use qualitative judgments to identify those who may be worthy of such recognition. They assess:
- Novelty and societal impact of the research
- Recognition through other prestigious awards
- Alignment with Nobel Prize history and precedent
- Influence across related disciplines
The Citation Laureates program has a strong track record of predicting Nobel success. Since 2002, Clarivate has named 465 Citation Laureates – and 83 have gone on to receive Nobel Prizes. Many more may follow. Our program celebrates a broader pool of excellence, recognizing those whose contributions deserve global recognition, whether or not they eventually receive the Nobel.
From research excellence to societal impact
Scientific research doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it shapes the world we live in. The Citation Laureates program highlights researchers whose work has not only advanced academic knowledge but also delivered tangible benefits to society. These individuals have:
- Accelerated medical breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes and public health.
- Enabled technological innovations that power cleaner energy, smarter infrastructure, and more sustainable solutions.
- Informed public policy on critical issues like climate change, economic inequality, and social justice.
- Transformed education and industry, influencing how we learn, work, and solve problems.
As expectations grow around demonstrating the real-world value of research — particularly in areas like health, climate, and technology — the question of how to meaningfully assess societal impact has become more urgent. At the ISI, we’ve been exploring this challenge through a responsible, data-informed lens. A recent ISI report outlines a framework for evaluating and visualizing societal impact, offering a foundation for institutions and funders seeking to understand how research contributes to progress beyond academia.
In these ways, Clarivate underscores the connection between scientific excellence and societal advancement. It’s a reminder that behind highly cited papers are stories of impact — on lives, communities, and the future.
Discover the 22 researchers who have been named Citation Laureates 2025
Stories of impact from the Citation Laureates 2025
We spoke with four of this year’s honorees to explore the passion, persistence, and purpose behind their work.
Zhijian “James” Chen: Sounding the alarm in the immune system
James Chen’s discovery of the enzyme cGAS — a kind of molecular burglar alarm — has transformed our understanding of how the immune system detects threats like viruses, bacteria, and even cancer. His work has opened new avenues for therapies targeting autoimmune diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer immunotherapy.
“Every experiment is telling us something. So if an experiment doesn’t work, the data is sort of screaming at us to tell us something — and that is not a failure. It’s just a learning process.”
In our interview, Chen shares what drives his curiosity, how he reframes failure as learning, and why research is more like a marathon than a sprint.
Ingrid Daubechies: The hidden math behind everyday tech
Mathematician Ingrid Daubechies helped pioneer wavelets, a mathematical tool that powers everything from medical imaging to smartphone cameras. Her work bridges beauty and utility — elegant math with real-world impact.
“I’ve always believed that you can take the considerations of the application seriously and still do beautiful mathematics.”
In the interview, Daubechies explains wavelets using paintbrushes and starlight, shares how collaboration fuels her creativity, and reflects on the joy of seeing her work quietly embedded in the tools we use every day.
Watch the full interview with Ingrid Daubechies, Duke University – Citation Laureate 2025 in Physics
Jean-Marie Tarascon: Powering the future with smarter batteries
Jean-Marie Tarascon’s breakthroughs in battery chemistry have helped make energy storage more efficient, sustainable, and scalable — from mobile phones to electric vehicles. His visionary work on anionic redox and smart batteries is shaping the next generation of energy solutions.
“Sometimes in research, you need to be patient. You need to have resilience and conviction.”
In our discussion, Tarascon talks about the importance of curiosity, risk-taking, and resilience in research. He also shares how a once-dismissed idea became a cornerstone of modern battery science — and why his latest challenge might be his most exciting yet.
Marianne Bertrand: Measuring inequality, informing change
Economist Marianne Bertrand has spent her career uncovering the roots of inequality — from CEO pay gaps to gender discrimination in the workplace. Her research has influenced hiring practices and sparked global conversations about fairness and opportunity.
“Ideally, we will live in a world that is not more equal, but more equitable — a world where everybody has a chance to realize their full potential.”
In our conversation, Bertrand reflects on the importance of curiosity, the challenge of knowing when to walk away from a project, and why she’s cautiously optimistic about the future of evidence-based policy.
The Citation Laureates 2025 are more than leaders in their fields — they are catalysts for change. Their stories remind us that behind every citation is a journey of curiosity, creativity, and commitment to making the world better. We are honored to recognize their contributions and celebrate the profound impact their work continues to have on science and society.
Explore the full list of Citation Laureates, watch exclusive interviews, and learn how Clarivate identifies tomorrow’s Nobel Prize recipients today.
Related insights
The latest news, technologies, and resources from our team.
