Three FLAME University Professors Feature in 2026 Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List

FLAME University Faculty Recognised in Global Scientists Database

Three professors from FLAME University have been included in the 2026 edition of the Stanford–Elsevier list of the world's top 2% scientists, according to an announcement issued by the university on October 19, 2026.

The faculty members named in the announcement are Professor Aparna Shankar, Professor Paweł Atroszko and Professor Rajeev K. Goel. Their inclusion reflects the citation impact of their research across different academic disciplines.

The recognition is based on the science-wide author databases of standardised citation indicators, compiled by researchers led by Stanford University's John P. A. Ioannidis and published through the Elsevier Data Repository. The latest update was released on October 7, 2026.

How the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List Works

The database uses citation information from Elsevier's Scopus platform to assess researchers across scientific fields and subfields. Its methodology considers several indicators rather than relying solely on the number of research papers published.

These measures include total citations, the h-index, a co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, authorship position and a composite citation indicator known as the c-score.

The database provides separate assessments of career-long research impact and impact based on citations received during a single recent year. The 2026 update uses a Scopus snapshot from August 1, 2026, with career-long data updated through the end of 2025 and single-year citation data covering 2025.

The database is intended to provide a standardised way to compare citation impact across disciplines. Its compilers also caution that citation indicators have limitations and should not be treated as definitive measures of research quality.

Professor Aparna Shankar's Research on Health and Ageing

Professor Aparna Shankar's research focuses on health psychology, ageing, social relationships and well-being. Her work examines how social connections influence health and how health behaviours and environmental factors shape people's lives as they grow older.

According to FLAME University's faculty profile, Shankar holds a doctorate in health psychology from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. Her research also addresses inequalities in access to healthcare and the relationship between social isolation and health.

Her inclusion in the latest database highlights the citation impact associated with her research in areas connected to public health and well-being.

Professor Paweł Atroszko Recognised for Psychology Research

Professor Paweł Atroszko's research covers behavioural addictions, work addiction, burnout and psychological well-being. His work examines psychological factors affecting individuals in work, education and everyday life.

The university's announcement identifies his research classification in psychiatry and social psychology. His inclusion also brings attention to psychology-related research within India's higher education landscape.

Atroszko's work on work addiction and well-being has attracted academic interest internationally, contributing to wider discussions about mental health, behaviour and occupational outcomes.

Professor Rajeev K. Goel's Research in Economics

Dr Rajeev K. Goel, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at FLAME University, has also been included in the 2026 database, according to the university's announcement.

His recognition is associated with his standing in the global research community, as reflected in the database's standardised citation indicators.

The inclusion of an economics faculty member alongside researchers working in health and psychology illustrates the range of disciplines represented by FLAME University's research community.

FLAME University Emphasises Interdisciplinary Research

The university said the recognition reflects its broader efforts to strengthen research alongside teaching and interdisciplinary learning.

FLAME University offers programmes across liberal education, business, communication, computing and data sciences, and design, art and performance. Its academic approach encourages students and faculty to examine complex issues from different disciplinary perspectives.

The inclusion of the three professors in the 2026 database adds to the university's research profile across multiple fields.

About FLAME University

FLAME University is a private university in Maharashtra focused on liberal education and interdisciplinary learning. Established under Maharashtra legislation, it is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956.

The university offers academic programmes across several faculties, including liberal education, business, communication, computing and data sciences, and design, art and performance.