Professor Irene Higginson named #30 in top UK female scientist rankings

14th December 2023

Professor Irene Higginson, Scientific Director of Cicely Saunders International, has been named one of the top 30 in female scientists in the UK by the leading academic research portal, Research.com.

Only the top 1,000 female scientists are displayed in the rankings which aim to “inspire female researchers, women pondering an academic profession, as well as decision-makers around the world with the example of successful women in the research community.”

The rankings are compiled using the h-index, which measures the impact of a researcher’s publications by combining the number of papers they have published and how often they are cited by others.

Professor Irene Higginson is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care at King’s College London, Founding Professor of the Cicely Saunders Institute, Honorary Consultant in Palliative Medicine, NIHR Emeritus Senior Investigator and Fellow of the Academy of Sciences. She is active in research and education and in the top 1% of highly cited academics world-wide.

Through her current research programmes, she investigates treatments, symptom management, access and services in palliative care. She has published over 700 articles in peer-reviewed journals and over 50,000 citations.

Professor Higginson said: “I am delighted to receive this recognition, which highlights the importance of applied health research and palliative care within the field of science. Research is a team endeavour and my inclusion in the top female scientist rankings reflects the contributions of my talented colleagues at the Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London and nationally and internationally, as well as the dedication of our funders, collaborators, and patient and public partners.”

Professor Irene Higginson