Two materials academics named among world’s highly cited researchers

Prof Ifan Stephens and Prof Aron Walsh from the Department of Materials have been included in the latest Highly Cited Researchers list released by Clarivate.

Imperial’s Department of Materials celebrates two of its researchers who are shaping the future of materials science and sustainable energy. Professor Ifan Stephens and Professor Aron Walsh have been named on this year’s Highly Cited Researchers list, compiled by Clarivate using data from the Web of Science. The list recognises academics whose work ranks among the top 1% by citations worldwide, highlighting research that is widely used and highly influential. Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, only about one in 1,000 achieves this recognition, underscoring the exceptional impact of their work.

Advancing electrochemistry for clean energy

I’m fortunate to work with brilliant electrochemists and materials scientists in our group, and with talented colleagues across Imperial and within the Department of Materials. Citations only show one part of the picture, but they tell us that our work is being used by others, which is rewarding for all of us. Professor Ifan Stephens Professor in Electrochemistry, Department of Materials

Prof Ifan Stephens, Professor in Electrochemistry in the Department of Materials, has been named a Highly Cited Researcher for his work in electrochemistry and sustainable energy. His research focuses on converting renewable electricity into fuels and chemicals, investigating key reactions such as water electrolysis, oxygen reduction and carbon dioxide conversion. By exploring the fundamental processes that underpin these reactions, his work is helping to advance the development of low-carbon energy technologies and practical applications for renewable energy.

He leads the Interfacial Electrochemistry Group, which uses advanced materials design, electrochemical testing and detailed characterisation to develop catalysts and electrode systems for sustainable applications. The group’s research spans hydrogen production by water electrolysis, fuel cells, green hydrogen peroxide synthesis, battery improvement, nitrogen‑to‑ammonia conversion and carbon dioxide reduction; all aimed at creating scalable technologies for clean energy and green chemicals.

Prof Stephens said, “I’m fortunate to work with brilliant electrochemists and materials scientists in our group, and with talented colleagues across Imperial and within the Department of Materials. Citations only show one part of the picture, but they tell us that our work is being used by others, which is rewarding for all of us.”

Designing materials through computation

Prof Aron Walsh, Professor of Materials Design in the Department of Materials, Imperial, has been the recipient of Highly Cited Researcher Award for his work at the interface of computational modelling and materials science. His research uses quantum mechanical and data-driven methods to understand, predict and design materials for clean energy applications. His studies cover solar cells, batteries and semiconductors, helping to guide experimental research and improve the performance of new materials worldwide. 

He leads the Materials Design Group, which develops computational tools and databases to explore the properties of crystalline, hybrid and oxide materials. The group combines theory, simulation and machine learning to design materials with specific electronic, optical and structural properties. The group is exploring hybrid perovskites for solar cells, oxide semiconductors for energy conversion and new modelling approaches that can speed up the discovery of useful materials. This work helps them link fundamental science with practical outcomes and support progress in clean energy and materials innovation.

The recognition of Prof Stephens and Prof Walsh underscores Imperial’s strength in both experimental and computational materials research and its role in advancing solutions for sustainable technologies.