Jonathan Lynch honored as ‘highly cited’ by science analytics group

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jonathan Lynch, distinguished professor of plant nutrition in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been recognized as “highly cited” by the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Group.

The 2019 Highly Cited Researchers list features researchers who have demonstrated considerable influence through publication of multiple works that have been cited by a significant number of their peers during the last decade.

“The Highly Cited Researchers list contributes to the identification of that small fraction of the researcher population that contributes disproportionately to extending the frontiers of knowledge,” said David Pendlebury, senior citation analyst at the Institute for Scientific Information. “These researchers create gains for society, innovation and knowledge that make the world healthier, richer, more sustainable and more secure.”

This year’s list, which includes 14 other Penn Stare researchers, identifies scientists and social scientists who produced multiple papers between 2008 and 2018 that rank in the top 1% by citations for their field and year of publication.

Erin Connolly, professor and head of Penn State’s Department of Plant Science, said she is not surprised that Lynch was honored for being highly cited. She noted that his research and his research group are recognized internationally for their excellence.

“Jonathan’s work focusing on understanding the basis of plant adaptation to drought and low soil fertility is making a difference in the world,” she said. “His research team is focused on root traits that can be used to breed crops with improved acquisition of water, nitrogen and phosphorus. This work has already led to release of new bean varieties with improved performance on poor soils. In the long run, Jonathan’s work promises to improve food security and sustainability of agricultural systems.”