Partially cited

UK slips behind China when it comes to the number of influential researchers across the globe

As violent protests at Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University continue into a third day, data released by the Web of Science group today show that the UK has been overtaken by China as the country with the second highest number of highly cited researchers after the US. This will be portrayed in some quarters as evidence that the UK as a research powerhouse is in decline.

There are many reasons why the UK may indeed be in jeopardy. The next few years are likely to stretch its performance in international academic terms to the limit, given our decision to play fast and loose with our nearest and dearest continental neighbours when it comes to research ties. However, today’s development—the UK’s relegation to bronze position, according to what might be considered a fairly haphazard metric—should not be misinterpreted. It is not the end of days.