Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental MedicineFraunhofer Institute Director Prof. Thomas Thum is one of the most highly cited researchers worldwide
For the second time already, Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Thomas Thum is one of the most frequently cited scientists worldwide. Once a year, the U.S. company Clarivate Analytics reports which publications in a particular discipline are among the one percent that have been cited most. Thomas Thum is a specialist in cardiology and bioscience, with a clear research focus on the functional characterization and translational potential of therapeutic RNA strategies, and his publications have had a major impact on the progress of cardiac research.
Citations are the most important currency in the world of science. Results published by scientists in peer-reviewed journals can be used by other researchers for their own work, as long as they are clearly indicated as citations. The number of citations, however, is not the only indicator of the impact of a scientist: the reputation of the journal in which an article is published also plays an important role – and so it does in the evaluation criteria applied by Clarivate Analytics.
Thomas Thum is one of the most important pioneers of RNA-based therapeutics. With his team at the Hannover Medical School he was the first to successfully test an RNA compound for the treatment of heart failure patients in a clinical trial. He joined the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM in Hannover (Germany) as institute director on January 1, 2021 and has since been managing this institute together with Prof. Norbert Krug. “To be a part of the global Who's Who of science is really a great honor for me and makes me very happy,” Thum commented on this success. “I am quite optimistic that patients will soon be able to benefit from the findings of our research in clinical practice.” Prof. Thum is listed in the “Cross Fields” category, indicating that his work has an impact on science beyond his actual field of research.
For a complete list of the most highly cited researchers, please refer to the Internet page of Web of Science: https://recognition.webofscience.com/awards/highly-cited/2021/