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Illinois ag researchers recognized as 2019’s most influential scientists

Three researchers from the University of Illinois College of ACES are among those being recognized by the Web of Science Group as the most influential scientists of 2019.

The Web of Science Group, a Clarivate Analytics company, identifies the top 1% of highly cited researchers around the world and this year that group includes Illinois ag researchers Lisa Ainsworth, Stephen Long and Donald Ort.

Dr. Ainsworth leads the USDA Ag Research Service’s Global change and Photosynthesis Research Unit with a key goal of maximizing future crop production.

Dr. Long directs the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project which works to address the effects of climate change on crop yields. He has been recognized as a highly cited researcher the last 15 years.

Dr. Ort leads the Genomic Ecology of Global Change theme which focuses on improving photosynthesis and addressing crop response to global change factors.

Department of Crop Science Head Adam Davis says the appreciation of Ainsworth, Long and Ort goes beyond this recognition as they have also educated several graduate students on their research.