Célia Manaia, a researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, has been recognised as one of the most cited scientists worldwide for the fifth consecutive year.

“This recognition demonstrates that the work we undertake has impact and relevance within the scientific community,” says the researcher, adding, “Science is a collective and global effort, and it is immensely gratifying to know that we contribute to this international dialogue.”

Specialising in microbiology, with a particular focus on bacterial resistance to antibiotics, Célia Manaia views this distinction as “an incentive to continue researching and contributing to advances that benefit society.”

Célia Manaia also offers advice to early-career researchers: “more important than chasing rankings or metrics is working with passion, creativity, and honesty. Find meaning in what you do and commit to the process, whether it is something simple or complex.”

The “Highly Cited Researchers 2024” list, compiled by Clarivate Analytics—a US-based company specialising in scientific information management—identifies 6,636 researchers globally who have demonstrated significant influence in their field or across multiple scientific disciplines, representing the top 1% of scientists worldwide. In Portugal, Célia Manaia is one of 18 Portuguese scientists featured on the list.

The methodology used to determine the “who’s who” of influential researchers is based on data and analyses conducted by bibliometric experts and data scientists at Clarivate’s Institute for Scientific Information™.