Top Research from Potsdam

Four Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology Among World’s Most Cited.

Once again this year, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP) at Potsdam Science Park has confirmed its position as one of the most internationally visible research institutions in the field of plant science. Four researchers from the institute have been recognized as “Highly Cited Researchers” by the Clarivate Group in 2025.

The distinction is part of Clarivate’s annual evaluation and identifies the top 0.1% of researchers globally whose publications are cited most frequently by their peers. This year’s list includes 6,868 scientists from around the world.

The following researchers from the MPI-MP were honored in 2025:

• Prof. Dr. Ralph Bock, Director of the Institute, who focuses on the biology of plant organelles, their genetics, and biotechnological applications.
• Dr. Saleh Alseekh, who conducts research on plant metabolic pathways and their genetic basis, particularly in relation to the diversity and adaptability of crops.
• Dr. John E. Lunn, whose work has made a decisive contribution to our understanding of the regulation of plant metabolism.
• Prof. Dr. Mark Stitt, whose long-standing research has significantly shaped our understanding of plant metabolism and growth.

“We are very pleased that our work has once again received this level of international recognition,” says Prof. Dr. Ralph Bock. “This award not only highlights the scientific achievements of our colleagues, but also shows how highly plant research from Potsdam is regarded internationally. Of course, we would also like to congratulate all the other researchers from the Max Planck Society who are also listed this year.”

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of basic research on plant physiology, genetics, epigenetics, and plant-microbe interactions. The aim of the research is to understand the complex processes that control the growth, development, and adaptation of plants, thereby laying the foundations for sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology.

Background

The impact of scientific research is often measured by how frequently publications are cited by other researchers. High citation rates indicate that findings are widely used and influential within the scientific community. The annually published list of “Highly Cited Researchers” is based on an evaluation of the Essential Science Indicators™ (ESI) database. Researchers are assigned to 22 subject areas. This year, four researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam are among the 363 highly cited researchers in Germany. With a total of 66 highly cited scientists in 84 institutes, the Max Planck Society ranks seventh among all research institutions worldwide. The fact that the MPI-MP has been regularly represented by several scientists for many years underscores the institute's continuous excellence.