UNAB Faculty Recognized in 2024 Research.com International Ranking

For the fourth consecutive year, UNAB researchers earned top positions in this global ranking, which recognizes outstanding contributions across academic disciplines.

In 2024, seven faculty members from UNAB were featured for their achievements in Molecular Biology, Physics, Animal and Veterinary Science, Ecology and Evolution, Earth Sciences, and Psychology. The university also stood out in the national institutional rankings across these fields.

“These results reflect UNAB’s strong commitment to research excellence and knowledge generation,” said Alejandra Vidales, Director of Research at UNAB. “This recognition reinforces our mission to foster innovation and collaborative work across all areas of study.”

About the Research.com Ranking

The Research.com ranking evaluates researchers using the Discipline H-index (D-index), which considers the volume and impact of publications and citations within a specific field. It also accounts for scientific productivity, achievements, and recognition over time.

Molecular Biology

Professor Martín Montecino – Director of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB) – is the only Chilean researcher ranked in the Molecular Biology category for the fourth consecutive year. A biochemist with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Massachusetts, he has published 232 papers, received 11,311 citations, and holds a D-index of 58.

“It’s an honor that reflects the recognition our work at the ICB has earned among the global scientific community,” he said. “As a professor of cellular and molecular biology, it also affirms the value of what I strive to pass on to our undergraduate and graduate students.”

His research focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression in neural stem cell differentiation, as well as genes associated with learning and memory.

Animal and Veterinary Science

Professor Rubén Avendaño – researcher at the Marine Research Center of Quintay (CIMARQ UNAB) and head of the Laboratory of Aquatic Organism Pathology and Aquaculture Biotechnology – ranked first nationally in this field. He has published 185 papers, earned 4,136 citations, and holds a D-index of 33.

“My focus is on producing meaningful research – work that supports the development of preventive strategies, disease control, and regulatory frameworks for the salmon farming industry.”

Avendaño is currently leading a FONDECYT Regular project (No. 1230068) to study co-infections involving two common diseases in salmon aquaculture: tenacibaculosis and BKD.

Among institutions, UNAB is one of only two Chilean universities featured in this category – ranking second nationally after Universidad de Concepción – and 354th globally.

Physics

Professor Dante Minniti – from UNAB’s Institute of Astrophysics – was ranked second in Chile for the fourth consecutive year in the Physics category (which includes astronomy). He has authored 1,130 publications, received 56,538 citations, and holds a D-index of 117.

“This recognition is a testament to our collective work, which I share with my students and colleagues at the Institute of Astrophysics. I’m grateful to the university’s leadership for supporting this journey.”

“It inspires me to continue exploring our galaxy in the infrared spectrum and to keep searching for new planets – my two main research areas.”

UNAB ranks third nationally in Physics, after Pontificia Universidad Católica and Universidad de Chile.

Earth Sciences

Professor Reynaldo Charrier – from UNAB’s Geology program – was once again recognized in Earth Sciences, ranking 12th in Chile with 110 publications, 5,810 citations, and a D-index of 36.

Also honored was Professor Francisco Hervé, geologist and adjunct faculty member at UNAB. He ranked third in the country with 179 publications, 7,670 citations, and a D-index of 46.

UNAB ranks fifth nationally in Earth Sciences, after Universidad de Chile, Universidad de Concepción, Universidad Austral, and Pontificia Universidad Católica.

Ecology and Evolution

Professor Cristián Duarte – of the Department of Ecology and Biodiversity – made his first appearance in the Research.com ranking this year. He ranks 29th nationally in Ecology and Evolution, with 91 publications, 3,621 citations, and a D-index of 32. UNAB ranks 11th in this discipline among Chilean institutions.

“Being actively engaged in research allows me to share the latest knowledge with my students, which I hope contributes meaningfully to their academic and professional growth. It also helps show them that, with persistence, it’s possible to achieve what you set out to do.”

His research focuses on how human activities – such as light pollution – affect marine ecosystems.

Psychology

Professor Darío Páez – visiting professor in UNAB’s Ph.D. program in Education and Society – ranked third in Chile in Psychology, with 334 publications, 11,636 citations, and a D-index of 57.

“This recognition strengthens the psychosocial dimension as a scientific discipline at UNAB and adds credibility to our Ph.D. program in Education and Society.”

“It gives students confidence in the strength of our faculty and shows that impactful research – including meta-analyses and large international collaborations, such as the 2021 Frontiers monograph on Social Belonging and Well-being – is achievable.”

His research explores the social dimensions of emotion and cognition, particularly the dynamics of collective effervescence – how group gatherings and shared emotional experiences can influence well-being, or in some cases, pose risks.

In Psychology, UNAB ranks third nationally, after Universidad Autónoma and Universidad de Chile.