Nine researchers from South East Technological University have been named in the 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

It marks SETU’s highest representation on the list to date, up from five researchers in 2025 and four in 2024.

Those recognised work across areas including eye health, advanced manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, public health and renewable energy.

Their research includes work on nutrition and eye health, alternatives to antibiotics in farming and technologies which generate electricity from ocean waves.

The SETU researchers named are Dr. Raja Das, Professor Gillian Gardiner, Dr. Nima E. Gorji, Dr. Marcos Mariano, Professor John Nolan, Dr. Sweta Rani, Dr. Wanan Sheng, Professor Marie Claire Van Hout and Professor John Wells.

SETU President Professor Veronica Campbell said the recognition reflects years of work by researchers and their wider teams.

‘Nine of our colleagues have earned international recognition for work they have built up over many years. That is a proud moment for SETU,’ she said.

The list is based on Scopus citation data and highlights researchers whose published work is widely cited by others in their field.

Among those named is the late Professor John Wells, who died in May while serving as SETU’s Head of Faculty of Health Sciences.

Professor Wells was a mental health nurse by training and had previously led the Department of Nursing and later the School of Health Science.

Professor Campbell said it was ‘especially meaningful to see John’s name on this year’s list’, recognising his contribution to nursing education and research.

The 2026 list is published by TOPSCINET and is searchable by researcher and institution.