On November 19, Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters IP & Science) announced the list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025. Professor Jian Feng Ma and Associate Professor YAMAJI Naoki from the Plant Stress Science Group, Institute of Plant Science and Resources were selected for their outstanding contributions. Professor Ma has been selected for consecutive 11 years since the 2015 edition, while Associate Professor Yamaji has been awarded for 10 years.

Professors Ma and Associate Professor Yamaji have made significant advancements in understanding the transport mechanisms of various essential minerals for plant growth. Their work in the field of Plant & Animal Science has earned them high international acclaim as some of the most influential scientists in the world.

The annual list recognizes around 7,000 distinguished researchers from across the globe who have published highly cited papers in reliable academic journals between 2014 and 2024, spanning 21 fields of natural and social sciences. Papers with significantly high citation counts are considered a key indicator of work deemed meaningful and beneficial by the scientific community, suggesting these researchers have made a major impact on subsequent studies.

Professor Ma expressed, "I am truly honored to be selected for 11 consecutive years, especially at a time when the number of Japanese researchers chosen each year continues to decline. My steady and persistent efforts over the years have truly paid off. I will continue to work diligently." Associate Professor Yamaji commented, "Though slowly, I will keep moving forward."

In July 2023, Okayama University established seven priority research areas, with agricultural and plant science being one of them. Professors Ma and Associate Professor Yamaji have contributed to strengthening this area, and their continued efforts are expected to further promote the university’s development as a regional hub for distinctive research.

○Sources:
Author profiles and list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025 (Clarivate Analytics Japan Co., Ltd. Website):
・Full list of 2025 Highly Cited Researchers
・Professor Jian Feng Ma (Author Profile, Web of Science)
・Associate Professor YAMAJI Naoki (Author Profile, Web of Science)