Athlone professor recognised as top ranked scientist globally

The science prowess of an Athlone professor continues to be recognised on a global scale.

Professor Neil Rowan has been named as a 'Top Cited Scholar' by Scilit, a comprehensive content platform for scholarly publications.

This prestigious listing places the TUS Midlands based professor among the top scholars from 100 countries across six continents.

The Scilit selection process assesses publications in scientific journals from 2025/2026 through top cited papers defined as the top one percent by citation within the same field and year of publications.

Professor Rowan's listing on the comprehensive Scilit scholar platform complements his 2025 appearance on the Standford University names of elite scientists.

Professor Rowan, who lives in Coosan with his wife Michelle and family, said he was both "humbled and delighted" by the recognition.

"I am most grateful to all co-authors and partnerships in my specialist fields of microbial and sterilization science, disease prevention, sustainability, and food security. It highlights the great strides TUS is making in research and innovation on the world stage," Professor Rowan said.

Professor Rowan has just returned from a panel meeting of the United Nations in Geneva on the Effects of Nuclear War where it will reporting to the 82nd General Assembly next year. He is the sole Irish representative on this UN panel.

Neil also contributes to the newly formed National Science Advice Forum (NSAF) advising government on strategic policies and was appointed onto membership of the new Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Neil has supervised 43 PhDs to completion and holds Honorary Professorships at several leading institutions globally including the College of Medicine and Health at University of Galway.

Neil previously received a higher Doctor of Science Degree for outstanding contributions to the field of microbial and sterilization sciences over three decades.