Psychologist is one of world's most influential researchers

A psychologist who has changed how the world views emotions has been named one of the globe’s most influential scientists.

Professor Reinhard Pekrun has been revealed as one of science's most cited researchers by an internationally recognised organisation.

Professor Pekrun, from Essex’s Department of Psychology, is among 6,636 researchers globally recognised by analytics company Clarivate as Highly Cited Researchers for 2024.

The honour means he is one of a few researchers “extending the frontiers of knowledge and contributing to innovations that make the world healthier, more sustainable and drive societal impact”.

Significant and broad impact

It celebrates global researchers who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their field of research – reflected through their publication of multiple papers ranked in the top 1% by citations.

The hotly awaited annual list is the “who’s who” of influential researchers based on data and analysis performed by experts and data scientists at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate.

Professor Pekrun is among 563 researchers from the United Kingdom to make it on the list.

And the second Essex researcher to be honoured along with plant biologist Professor Tracy Lawson, from the School of Life Sciences.

Outstanding career

Professor Pekrun has received the honour for his cross-field work in psychology and education and builds on his outstanding career.

He has focussed on achievement emotion and motivation, personality development, and psychological assessment and evaluation.

He pioneered research on emotions in achievement settings and originated the Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions.

He has published more than 350 books, articles, and chapters, and is listed among the top twenty currently most highly cited researchers in the social sciences.

'Deeply honoured'

Reflecting on the honour Professor Pekrun said: “I feel deeply honoured by this recognition.

"The recognition is based on teamwork and attests to the invaluable support I received from students and colleagues at Essex and abroad in pursuing our research on human emotions.”

David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate, praised the achievement.

He said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Essex whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community.

“Their pioneering innovations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable and secure world. These researchers’ achievements strengthen the foundation of excellence and innovation that drives societal progress.”