The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) has once again distinguished itself on the international scientific stage, following the release of the latest edition of the "World’s Top 2% Scientists 2026", an international ranking developed by Stanford University (USA) and Elsevier, the owner of Scopus, one of the world’s leading scientific databases.
This ranking identifies the top 2% of the most-cited and influential researchers globally, evaluating their performance based on two independent metrics: cumulative impact over the course of their entire academic career (career-long) and productivity achieved during the most recent year (single-year). The assessment spans 20 scientific fields and 174 subfields.
In the ranking’s 2026 edition, eight PUCV scholars are recognized among the world’s most influential researchers, placing them within the top 2% globally in their respective disciplines. The ranking also highlights individuals who have maintained a sustained impact throughout their careers, acknowledging their long-standing research contributions.
Ricardo Iglesias, Vice-Rector for Research, Creation, and Innovation (VINCI) at the university, noted: "In recent years, the university has significantly increased its research productivity and publication output. This latest recognition underscores the impact our researchers are making in fields such as biotechnology, data analysis and artificial intelligence, communication and media, and agro-industrial bioprocesses, among others."
The Researchers
In the single-year performance indicator, the PUCV succeeded in placing its academics among the top 20 nationally among researchers affiliated with Chilean universities. Within the institution, the list for this recent period is led by Claudia Mellado, academic from the School of Journalism, who also ranks 2nd in Latin America and 114th globally in the field of communication and media studies. Also featured on this annual list are Víctor Leiva (School of Industrial Engineering), David Jeison and Andrés Illanes (School of Biochemical Engineering), and Cassamo Mussagy (School of Agronomy)—all of whom demonstrate high levels of scientific activity and consistent presence at the forefront of knowledge.
Meanwhile, the career-long evaluation recognizes the cumulative track record and sustained impact of researchers from various faculties, including Romina Pedreschi (School of Agronomy), David Jeison and Andrés Illanes (both from the School of Biochemical Engineering), and Claudia Mellado (School of Journalism).
Claudia Mellado, tenured professor of the School of Journalism and an expert in journalistic cultures, audiences, and comparative research, has appeared in this ranking for seven consecutive years. She noted, “This recognition reflects sustained work built in collaboration with colleagues from various countries, through an extensive international network of researchers that allows for the sharing of perspectives and the development of comparative projects. I am very proud to be part of the PUCV, where I have been able to develop a research agenda focused on the transformations of journalism and its relationship with the public. This achievement also highlights the value of institutional policies that promote internationalization and academic excellence, while creating the conditions necessary for conducting rigorous, long-term research.”
Meanwhile, for Víctor Leiva, academic at the School of Industrial Engineering, whose primary research focuses on data modeling and analysis applied to engineering, health, and the social sciences, utilizing a cross-disciplinary approach that incorporates artificial intelligence, "this recognition serves as an incentive to continue contributing to the advancement of scientific research." He emphasized, "I also view this as an acknowledgment of sustained effort, rigor, and collaboration with other researchers. It reaffirms my commitment to generating knowledge and, in particular, to educating students—striving to instill in them intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for research."
Science with Impact
Regarding the significance of this recognition, David Jeison, professor at the School of Biochemical Engineering—who leads a research program on wastewater treatment and reuse through nature-inspired biotechnological solutions—noted that "being included in this ranking once again serves as recognition of the research conducted and its contribution to the scientific community."
"This achievement is the result not only of individual effort but also the commitment and dedication of a significant group of researchers at our institution. This honor motivates us to continue generating cutting-edge knowledge while simultaneously developing solutions that help address critical challenges of our society and contribute to the country's sustainable development," the researcher added.
Along the same line, Cassamo Mussagy, academic from the School of Agronomy whose work centers on sustainable biorefineries, specifically the valorization of agro-industrial waste to create various prototypes—noted: “As a young researcher, I am proud to be included for the third consecutive year on this list, which recognizes researchers who have made a global scientific impact. I receive this honor with gratitude, but also as motivation to continue growing, to strengthen our team, and to contribute to the advancement of science at PUCV.”
“For me, one of the most important aspects of research is its impact on the training of new generations. At LABISOST, we seek to integrate research with teaching, encouraging undergraduate students to get involved in scientific projects at an early stage, develop their skills, and gain international experience through collaboration with researchers and institutions in other countries,” added Mussagy.
For Romina Pedreschi, scholar at the School of Agronomy and an expert in bioprocesses for the development of functional foods, as well as the physiology and functional genomics of fruits and vegetables, this recognition reflects the sustained growth in scientific productivity that the University has experienced, thanks to institutional policies aimed at strengthening research, innovation, and international collaboration.
“The consolidation of specialized centers and access to competitive national and international funding have strengthened the University’s standing as a regional leader in agri-food research. This recognition is also a testament to the collaborative work carried out with undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and postdoctoral fellows, as well as the efforts we undertake at the Agrifood BioLab alongside other faculty members from the School of Agronomy, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to the agri-food sciences,” stated Pedreschi.
Likewise, Andrés Illanes, academic at the School of Biochemical Engineering, stated: “This is, without a doubt, a highly encouraging and, at the same time, surprising recognition. My field of research is enzymatic biocatalysis, a subject I have pursued for over 40 years, working with various enzymes—always with the goal of transforming raw materials into products with high added value.”
Professor Mellado also emphasized that “this result reaffirms that the social sciences and communication should no longer be viewed as the ‘poor relation’ of the sciences; rather, they should be recognized for the significance of their contributions and their impact on international research. In a context of profound technological transformation, this field is essential for understanding how the production and circulation of information, public trust, and power dynamics are evolving. Recognizing such contributions also means valuing the diversity of those who generate knowledge. In this sense, the presence of female researchers in this ranking helps to highlight their scientific leadership and reaffirms the importance of expanding opportunities for more women to develop their own research agendas and gain access to decision-making roles.”
Indexed Journals and Research Support
Since the establishment of the Vice-Rectorate for Research, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) has implemented incentives for academic publishing, leading to a significant increase in the number of publications over the last 20 years. Under the current administration, the Vice-Rectorate for Research (VINCI) has introduced new initiatives to boost publication output, such as the "Centennial Competition" (Concurso Centenario), and has promoted collaborative postdoctoral research programs.
Over the past year, the University has had 322 active research projects, both national and international. In addition, more than 1,400 indexed scientific publications have been produced, reflecting the productivity and excellence of its researchers, an achievement recognized by the inclusion of its faculty in the "World’s Top 2% Scientists" list.
"As expressed in our 2023–2029 Strategic Development Plan, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso aims to foster research, creative work, and innovation that deliver a tangible impact on society. We are committed to leading cutting-edge research that addresses local, national, and global needs, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. Our goal is to promote more interdisciplinary dialogue, strengthen technology transfer and engagement with the productive sector, and integrate these advancements into the education of our graduates. In doing so, we continue to consolidate the leadership and scientific excellence that define our century-old institution," stated Vice-Rector Ricardo Iglesias.
By Erika Schubert
Strategic Communications Department
