CQU academics feature in World's Top 2% Scientists list

23 September 2025
Three research staff working in a laboratory setting with samples and beakers
CQUniversity researchers have been recognised as leaders in their field

By Megan Hendry

More than 40 CQUniversity researchers have been recognised among the world’s leading scientists in this year’s annual Stanford University - Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

The prestigious list highlights those who have made a substantial impact in their respective fields and is based on the number of citations of their work in the previous calendar year.

CQUniversity nursing Professor Michelle Cleary was ranked among the top 40 in her field while Associate Professor Xianbo (Bill) Zhao was among the top 100 cited scientists in the building and construction field.

Professor Bruce Prideaux, Professor Nerilee Hing, Professor Matthew Browne, Professor Dana Stanley and Adjunct Professor Violeta Lopez were all among the top 200 scientists in their respective fields. 

CQUniversity Acting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Michelle Bellingan said the results highlighted the dedication of CQUniversity’s researchers across a range of disciplines.

“CQUniversity is emerging as a research powerhouse and it’s wonderful to see so many CQUniversity academics recognised as leaders in their field,” Professor Bellingan said. 

“From agriculture to health, our researchers are determined to meet the needs of our communities through applied research that drives real-world outcomes.”

CQUniversity academics recognised in the latest World's Top 2% Scientists list (in order of appearance):

Associate Professor Xianbo (Bill) Zhao

Professor Talal Yusaf

Professor Bruce Prideaux

Professor Mohammad Rasul

Professor Michelle Cleary

Dr Imran Ali

Professor Jamshid Aghaei

Professor Kerry Walsh

Professor Nerilee Hing

Professor Corneel Vandelanotte

Dr Jayanath Ananda

Dr Lal Rawal

Professor Alexandra Aikhenvald

Associate Professor Ritesh Chugh

Dr Kalam Azad

Dr Elaheh Yadegaridehkordi

Dr Nurun Nabi

Professor Matthew Browne

Dr Mohammed Bashir

Professor Dragana (Dana) Stanley

Adjunct Professor Violeta Lopez 

Associate Professor Aaron Scanlan

Dr Lois Harris 

Professor Drew Dawson

Professor Robert Stanton

Associate Professor Santoso Wibowo

Professor Margaret McAllister

Professor Charli Sargent

Dr Richard Koech

Professor Colin Cole

Dr Ahmed Kineber

Professor Matthew Rockloff

Professor Guido Governatori

Dr Fariza Sabrina

Dr Mohammad Anwar

Professor Maksym Spiryagin

Dr Mohammad Mehedi Hasan 

Dr Qing Wu

Dr Adam Gerace

Professor William Guo