# Growth in representation of Saudi scientists among Stanford's top 2 percent most-cited (2019–2023)

## TL;DR

Saudi scientists are increasingly appearing in global top 2% citation rankings, showing growth in numbers and impact from 2019 to 2023.

## Contribution

First 5-year analysis of Saudi scientists in Stanford's top 2% rankings, revealing growth trends and gender representation.

## Key findings

- The number of Saudi-affiliated scientists in the top 2% rankings nearly tripled from 2019 to 2023.
- Saudi scientists showed significant improvements in citation metrics like C-scores, citation ranks, and h-indices.
- Male scientists dominated (93.9%), but female representation increased from 5.0% in 2019 to 7.3% in 2023.

## Abstract

Global citation-based databases, such as Stanford University's Top 2% Scientists (SUD2%) database, offer powerful tools for tracking high-impact researchers. Despite Saudi Arabia's growing investment in scientific research, a longitudinal analysis of its presence in these elite citation rankings has been lacking. This study provides the first 5-year analysis (2019–2023) of Saudi-affiliated scientists listed in the SUD2% (single-year category), evaluating their growth in numbers, performance indicators, disciplinary distribution, and gender representation. Data were extracted from Elsevier's Mendeley-hosted SUD2% dataset. The key bibliometric metrics under analysis included the average composite citation score (C-score), citation rank, total citations, and h-index. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA on ranks was used to assess statistical differences between Saudi-affiliated and global scientists. Gender classification was performed using NamSor, based on validated confidence thresholds. The number of Saudi-affiliated scientists in the SUD2% nearly tripled from 556 in 2019 to 1,684 in 2023. Significant gains were also observed in average C-scores (p = 0.003), citation ranks (p = 0.002), total citations (p = 0.001), and h-indices (p = 0.025). Disciplinary analysis revealed continued dominance in clinical medicine, chemistry, and biomedical research. Gender analysis revealed male dominance (93.9%) over the 5-year period, although female representation increased from 5.0% in 2019 to 7.3% in 2023. Saudi Arabia's scientific community is making statistically significant progress in high-impact research, evidenced by increasing representation and improved citation metrics in global SUD2% rankings. While gaps remain—particularly in gender representation and individual citation ranks—trends point toward sustained momentum and broadening institutional participation in global research excellence.