University researchers receive national and international acclaim
University of Newcastle Professor Zsolt Balogh has been recognised as the top Emergency Medicine researcher in the country by Research Magazine 2026. It marks the third time Professor Balogh has received the accolade.
Professor Balogh designed and is the Academic Convenor for the University’s Master of Traumatology program, which blends clinically led research and teaching to support tomorrow’s trauma specialists.
Through his work with the Injury and Trauma Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute1, Professor Balogh has unlocked the connection between traumatic injuries and acute critical and chronic illness, to help improve long-term survival rates for trauma patients.
He's now leading an international campaign to recognise polytrauma as a disease by the World Health Organization and have it included in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases.
Professor Balogh is one of many University of Newcastle researchers to be recognised on the national and international stage for their research excellence and impact this year.
Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025
Five University-affiliated researchers were named in the internationally recognised Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list, which was released in November.
Researchers from more than 60 countries were featured, and each researcher selected has authored multiple papers that rank in the top 1% of citations in their field(s). As a result, their work is influencing research and innovation worldwide. University researchers included in the 2025 listing include:
- Professor Michael Breakspear from the School of Psychological Sciences was recognised for his work in neuroscience and behaviour for third straight year.
- Professor Ravi Naidu, Director of our Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, made his seventh straight appearance this year in the Cross-Field category.
- Professor Richard Wood from the School of Environmental and Life Sciences and our Institute for Regional Futures was included in the Cross-Field category.
- Emeritus Professor Adrian Bauman2 was recognised in the field of Social Science for eight years in row.
- Chuang-Bing Zho2 was also recognised in the 2025 listing.
World’s Top 2% Scientists
Nearly 200 University of Newcastle researchers have been included in this year's edition of the World’s Top 2% Scientists – a prestigious ranking that highlights influential researchers from around the globe.
Compiled annually by Stanford University and Elsevier, the list recognises global scientific leaders and brings attention to their work and standing in their respective disciplines. This year’s honourees include:
- twenty researchers from our College of Human and Social Futures
- more than 70 researchers from the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
- more than 90 researchers from the College of Engineering, Science and Environment.
World's Best Scientists of 2025
Earlier this year, more than 100 University of Newcastle academics made the list of the World's Best Scientists of 2025 by Research.com, including Laureate Professor Nick Talley who was named Australia's top medical scientist for the second year running.
The annual listing is an internationally renowned evaluation that highlights the most impactful researchers across various fields of science.
Recent Award Winners
- The University of Newcastle’s Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program was honoured at the Engagement Australia 2025 Excellence Awards in November, named dual winner of the Outstanding Engagement for Research Impact category.
- Professor Matt Dun was awarded the Emerging Leadership Award at the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards for his transformational leadership as one of Australia’s leading brain cancer researchers.
1 HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.
2 Emeritus Professor Adrian Bauman and Chuang-Bing Zho note University of Newcastle as a secondary affiliation.
Related news
- University researchers receive national and international acclaim
- Early career researchers awarded more than $2.1m ARC DECRA funding to drive future innovation
- We’re not going anywhere: Muswellbrook faces transition beyond coal head on
- Generous post-mortem donations spark international collaboration
- Generous post-mortem donations spark international collaboration
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.