Leading UK marine research laboratory 8th in
world
11th May 2011
World class research carried out by PML has
been recognised in a survey carried out by Thomson Reuters and
published in the ‘Essential Science Indicators’ database. The
table, which includes only two UK research organisations, places
PML at number eight in the world.
The table is based upon the number of
citations to highly cited scientific papers produced by PML
scientists. Citations, where other scientists use and quote
research as part of their own studies, are a strong measure of the
standard of science produced by an institution, while ‘highly cited
papers’ are those that rank in the top one percent of all papers
produced within the field of oceanography, between 2000 and 2010.
These papers are the ones most used by other scientists for their
own research, a reflection of their importance and impact. During
the assessment period 387 papers worldwide made up this top one
percent, of which PML produced 15 and made significant
contributions to others.
PML Chief Executive, Professor Stephen de Mora
is understandably pleased with the recognition for the
internationally renowned laboratory and its world class team of
scientists: “There are a number of ways of measuring the quality of
the science produced by an organisation and PML always scores very
highly, punching well above its weight not just in the UK but
globally. The table just published shows PML ranked at
number eight in a top thirty which contains the world’s most
prestigious marine institutes. To be in such company is in itself a
real accolade to be in the top few is a powerful recognition of the
quality of the science which continues to be produced at PML. We
knew we were world class, this assessment from an independent
organisation is tangible evidence that this is the case.”
PML has been an independent marine research
laboratory for most of the assessment period and has managed
successfully to blend a keen business sense with maintaining the
integrity of its science, a unique approach which Chairman of PML’s
Board of Trustees, Terence Lewis sees as key to PML’s success: “Our
independent status, working in one of the most vital areas of
science for the planet, in close collaboration with Research
Councils, Universities and Marine Institutions nationally and
worldwide represents a new and important model for many areas of UK
science. To have been able to produce, in a totally new independent
environment, science of the highest standard internationally, is a
potent reflection of the calibre of our highly committed
staff.”