Clarivate Announces Highly Cited Researchers for 2025

Imperial celebrates three chemistry researchers named on Clarivate’s 2025 Highly Cited list, recognising their strong global influence.

Started over a decade ago, the Highly Cited Researcher Award celebrates the researchers whose work is among the top 1% by citations in their field and year, and is then refined using other quantitative metrics, as well as qualitative analysis and expert judgment. 

This year, three academics whose expertise spans chemical biology, materials science and renewable energy research have been named among the 2025 awardees. Their selection highlights the influence of their work and reflects the strength of research across the department.

Recognising the excellence of our researchers

Dr Marco Di Antonio has been selected for the first time this year. His research sits at the intersection of organic chemistry and cell biology, with a particular focus on investigating dynamic changes in DNA during ageing and disease development for selective therapeutic intervention. His pioneering work has attracted significant international recognition, reflecting the growing interest in chemical approaches to understanding and manipulating genetic mechanisms.

I feel privileged to be listed amongst the top 1% of scientists worldwide, but science is a team effort. This achievement reflects the outstanding work led by the current and past members of my group; their intellectual brightness and dedication motivate me to push further the boundaries dividing chemistry from biology.

Dr Nicola Gasparini has also been recognised for the first time. His research explores emerging photovoltaic and sensor technologies, particularly the development and characterisation of organic and perovskite solar cells and photodetectors. His contributions are helping advance materials that could play a key role in future renewable energy systems, especially in improving performance and long-term stability.

I am honored to be part of the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers. I want to share this recognition with my team for believing in crazy ideas and collaborators across the world for all the support.

Professor James Durrant has again been named on the list, continuing a span of recognition that began in 2014. He is internationally known for his work in photochemistry and solar energy conversion, where he has made substantial contributions to understanding the fundamental processes that underpin solar fuel generation, solar cell performance and most recently electrocatalysis. His leadership in this area has influenced both academic research and industrial development.

My science is a team endeavor. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful team, and many wonderful colleagues across Imperial, nationally and globally, for which I am very grateful.

Read the full list here.