The database, released in September, uses Scopus data and citation indicators to measure research output and impact through the end of 2024.
In a ministry statement on Monday, Ashour said the achievement highlights the progress of Egyptian universities and research centres and reflects the country’s growing contribution to global science.
Figures from Egyptian universities show that around 1,106 Egyptian scientists were included in the latest edition.
The National Research Centre topped the list with 100 names, followed by Cairo University with 76, Ain Shams University with 58, and Al-Azhar University with 42.
Benha University contributed 25 scholars, while Damietta University contributed eight, with dozens more from other institutions nationwide.
Ashour said the inclusion of many Egyptian scholars in Stanford rankings demonstrates the steady improvement of Egypt’s higher education and research system and the quality of its internationally published work.
The Stanford/Elsevier “Top 2% Scientists” database is one of the most comprehensive measures of global scientific influence.
The ranking draws from the Scopus database of peer-reviewed literature and evaluates more than 200,000 researchers worldwide.
It uses standardized metrics such as total citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted impact, and a composite score that captures both career-long and single-year performance.
Covering all fields, from medicine and engineering to social sciences and humanities, the database allows comparisons of researchers across disciplines and countries.
The 2025 edition marks the latest in a series of annual updates, first introduced in 2019 and has become an essential global benchmark for institutions seeking to measure their research impact.
Egyptian universities and research centres have steadily increased their representation in recent years, reflecting the country’s growing role in international research.
The 2025 edition shows that American scientists make up the largest share, over 30 percent, followed by researchers from China, the United Kingdom, Germany, and India.
The United States’ dominance is attributed to its strong research infrastructure, significant funding, and leading universities and labs.
Meanwhile, China continues to rise quickly in the rankings thanks to heavy investment in science and technology and a surge in international publications.
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