Seven JCU scientists have been named in an elite group of 'highly cited' researchers as part of a worldwide survey of the impact of academic work.
Citations are logged when a scientist's work is referenced by another scientist to help build their own research.
The ratings are provided by the Web of Science Group and represent scientists who have demonstrated major influence through publication of multiple highly cited papers during the past decade.
Their names are drawn from the publications that rank in the top 1% by citations for their field.
Australia has narrowly overtaken Germany to go to fourth on the list on a country basis.
The JCU researchers are:
Professor Andrew Baird who is using an integrated approach, including novel molecular tools, morphology and breeding trials, to explore species boundaries in the stony coral genus Acropora.
Associate Professor David Bourne investigates the microbial and ecological drivers that underpin coral health and disease on the Great Barrier Reef.
Professor Joshua Cinner focuses on using social science to improve coral reef management. His work draws together a wide range of social science disciplines including human geography, common property, anthropology, and conservation policy.
Professor Morgan Pratchett is studying major disturbances on coral reefs, which cause declines in coral cover and shifts in habitat structure.
Professor Terry Hughes' research focuses on climate change and coral bleaching, and the linkages between the ecology of reefs and their importance for societies and economies.
Professor Bill Laurance studies land-use change in the tropics and its impacts on forest ecosystems and biodiversity. His research spans much of the tropical world, including the Amazon, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Professor Philip Munday's primary research focuses on understanding and predicting the impacts that climate change will have on populations and communities of marine fishes, both directly through changes in the physical environment and indirectly through effects on coral reef habitat.
