The University of the South Pacific (USP) is celebrating a significant achievement, as five of its esteemed academics have been distinguished among the world’s Top 2% of scientists for 2025 by Stanford University. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores the substantial impact and global recognition of the researchers’ work across various fields.
This marks a historic milestone for USP, as it is the highest number of its academics to be featured on the list, illustrating the university’s expanding international presence and dedication to research excellence. The academics recognized include Professor Gurmeet Singh in Business & Management, Professor M. Rafiuddin Ahmed in Mechanical Engineering & Transport, Professor Surendra Prasad in Analytical Chemistry, and both Dr. Shavneet Sharma and Dr. Vikas Gupta in Sport, Leisure & Tourism.
Special commendations are extended to Professor Surendra Prasad and Professor M. Rafiuddin Ahmed for their career-long influence, recognized for the fourth consecutive year. Their ongoing contributions reflect a sustained global impact in their respective fields, reinforcing their leadership and legacy in academic research.
This recognition aligns with USP’s mission to produce world-class research that not only advances intellectual discourse but also tackles the unique challenges and seizes the opportunities present within the Pacific region. USP’s strategic focus on research that is both globally relevant and locally impactful is evident in this achievement. The institution is at the forefront in addressing critical issues, from sustainable development and climate change to business innovation and public health, thereby shaping both academic and practical solutions within the region.
The Stanford Top 2% Scientists List, formulated by researchers from Stanford University utilizing Scopus data—one of the most comprehensive bibliometric databases—ranks scientists based on metrics such as total citations, h-index, and career-long impact. Inclusion in this list signifies a highly esteemed acknowledgment, signifying that these researchers are counted among the most influential and highly cited scientists globally.
The recognition of USP through this distinction mirrors its rise in recent global academic rankings, further solidifying its role as a premier institution for higher education and research in the Pacific and beyond. The university continues to ascend in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and Impact Rankings, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to excellence.
USP remains committed to fostering an environment of academic rigor and innovation, inspiring future generations of Pacific scholars and making substantial contributions to global knowledge and development. This triumphant recognition of its academics embodies both the present impact and promising future of the university and its community.