The Tunisian research community has made a notable impact in the 2026 Top1000 Scholar rankings, with three researchers securing spots in the top 40 globally in the geosciences category. This achievement is particularly impressive given that one of these researchers, Professor Younes Hamed from the Faculty of Sciences in Gafsa, has taken the top spot worldwide in this field. His ranking is a testament to the quality of research being conducted in Tunisia.
The rankings, which cover the period from 2021 to 2025, are based on the influence of researchers' work in their respective fields. Professor Hamed's achievement is joined by two other Tunisian researchers: Professor Hakim Gabtni from the Center for Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), who ranks 38th globally, and Professor Mohamed Soussi from the Faculty of Sciences in Tunis, who ranks 39th. These researchers' work focuses on geology and geophysics, particularly in the area of groundwater resources.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, particularly for a country like Tunisia that faces increasing pressure on its water resources. The research conducted by these scientists has important implications for the country's ability to manage and conserve its groundwater resources. The presence of a researcher from CERTE among the top-ranked scientists also highlights the importance of this institution in conducting cutting-edge research.
The Top1000 Scholar rankings are published by Scholarly Index, a platform that measures the influence of scientific research based on millions of researcher profiles. The 2026 edition includes approximately 2.31 million profiles across 20 major disciplines, 305 sub-domains, and 4,516 research topics. The rankings distinguish between cumulative influence over a researcher's entire career and influence observed over a recent period.
In this case, the rankings focus on identifying researchers whose work has had a significant recent impact in their field. This distinction is important, as the rankings do not provide a general evaluation of the quality of Tunisian research as a whole. Instead, they offer a snapshot of the influence of specific researchers' work in their area of expertise.
The achievement of these three Tunisian researchers is notable not only for their individual rankings but also for the institutions they represent. The Faculty of Sciences in Gafsa, CERTE, and the Faculty of Sciences in Tunis are all contributing to high-quality research in geosciences, which has important implications for the country's scientific community.
The recognition of Tunisian researchers in the global scientific community is a positive development for the country's research sector. It highlights the quality of research being conducted in Tunisia and demonstrates the potential for Tunisian scientists to make meaningful contributions to their fields. As the country continues to face challenges related to water resources, this research will be crucial in informing policy and management decisions.
Key points
- A Tunisian researcher, Professor Younes Hamed, has taken the top spot worldwide in the geosciences category of the 2026 Top1000 Scholar rankings.
- Two other Tunisian researchers, Professor Hakim Gabtni and Professor Mohamed Soussi, rank 38th and 39th globally in the same category.
- The researchers' work focuses on geology and geophysics, particularly in the area of groundwater resources, which is a critical area of study for Tunisia.
