Charles Darwin University (CDU) Associate Professor Mamoun Alazab always noted the renowned researchers who made a list of the top one per cent of the most influential in the world, never imagining that one day he would be on it.
But the 2022 Clarivate's list of Highly Cited Researchers, which acknowledges the top one per cent of cited researchers in their disciplines, has included Associate Professor Alazab for his contribution to the field of Computer Science.
Clarivate is an analytics and data provider for government and the private sector that produces its most cited list annually.
"I thought I would never be on that list. My real aim is to do impactful research in the field of cybersecurity and cyber threats," Associate Professor Alazab said.
"There is just so much research being done in the field."
Despite the amount of competition from other computer science researchers from around the world, Associate Professor Alazab said the high volume of research output also increased other researchers being exposed to his work.
"This is an individual acknowledgement, but it wouldn't be possible without the team I have around me," he said.
"There is some great research being done at CDU in the cybersecurity and IT disciplines. I wouldn't be on that list without that level of support I get from CDU's research community."
Associate Professor Alazab said the acknowledgement would push him to do better research and to bring better outcomes in cybersecurity for the community.
"My focus is on fighting malicious software, malware, that target individuals, organizations and government. The goal is to make the community and the government more resilient to cyber-attacks," he said.
CDU Pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor Steve Rogers said the acknowledgement of Associate Professor Alazab for his efforts in cybersecurity research was well deserved.
"CDU academics have done important and influential research in the field of cyber security and IT research, and that's in a large part due to the contribution of Associate Professor Alazab," Professor Rogers said.
"As we have seen from recent cyber-attacks, it's a field where innovative tools, based on research outcomes play a part in protecting our communities and our virtual engagement."
