Empa Achieves Global Research Distinction as Maksym Kovalenko and Zhanyun Wang Secure Positions on Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers List

Researchers included on the Highly Cited list have demonstrated a lasting and wide-ranging influence in their disciplines over the past decade through numerous highly cited scientific publications. Image: Clarivate

(IN BRIEF) Empa researchers Maksym Kovalenko and Zhanyun Wang have been named among the Highly Cited Researchers 2025, an international ranking by Clarivate recognizing scientists whose publications belong to the top one percent most cited in their fields over the past decade. Kovalenko, appearing for the eighth consecutive year, is celebrated for his influential work on nanoscale and functional inorganic materials with applications in light generation, radiation detection and energy technologies. Wang, honored for the third time, is recognized for his research on the environmental pathways, risks and management of chemicals such as PFAS and plastics, as well as his contributions to practical policy-relevant solutions for sustainable chemical and waste management. Their recognition highlights Empa’s global research excellence and sustained scientific impact across multiple disciplines.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 13-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Empa is celebrating a major academic milestone this year as two of its leading scientists, Maksym Kovalenko and Zhanyun Wang, have been named among the Highly Cited Researchers 2025, a prestigious global ranking compiled annually by Clarivate. Their inclusion reflects the sustained international impact of their work and places them among a small group of researchers whose publications have shaped scientific progress across multiple fields.

Clarivate’s Highly Cited list recognizes researchers whose publications rank within the top one percent most cited in their disciplines over the past decade, underscoring influence, relevance and long-term scientific value. In the 2025 edition, only 7,131 researchers worldwide achieved this distinction, with Kovalenko and Wang representing Empa at the highest level of global research excellence.

Influential research in functional inorganic materials

Empa researcher Maksym Kovalenko has been on the Highly Cited Researchers list since 2018. Image: Empa

A long-standing figure on the list, Maksym Kovalenko—who also serves as a professor of inorganic materials at ETH Zurich—has earned a place among the Highly Cited Researchers for the eighth consecutive year. His laboratory focuses on the creation of advanced nanoscale, thin-film and bulk functional materials, which play central roles in cutting-edge technologies such as luminescent displays, radiation detection, and next-generation energy storage. His pioneering work on perovskite quantum dots has gained worldwide recognition and continues to influence both academic research and industrial innovation.

Leading authority on anthropogenic chemicals and materials

For the third time on the Highly Cited Researchers list: Empa researcher Zhanyun Wang. Image: Empa

Appearing on the Clarivate list for the third time, Zhanyun Wang conducts research within Empa’s Technology & Society Laboratory, where he investigates the life cycles, environmental behavior and associated risks of anthropogenic chemicals and materials. His work spans topics such as PFAS, plastics and chemical additives, focusing on understanding their impacts in both the technosphere and natural ecosystems. Wang is also deeply engaged in developing practical solutions and strengthening the science-policy interface to improve chemical and waste management and support a sustainable circular economy.

The recognition of Kovalenko and Wang underscores the depth, diversity and global relevance of Empa’s scientific contributions. Their work not only advances fundamental understanding but also helps guide responsible innovation across industry, environmental management, and next-generation materials science.

Further information

Prof. Dr. Maksym Kovalenko
Thin Films and Photovoltaics
Phone +41 58 765 45 57
maksym.kovalenko@empa.ch

Dr. Zhanyun Wang
Technology and Society
Phone +41 58 765 77 61
zhanyun.wang@empa.ch

Editor / Media contact

Amanda Caracas
Communication
Phone +41 58 765 60 59
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA