The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Prof Rangan Gupta has been named the best scientist in the field of economics and finance in South Africa in the latest World Online Ranking of Best Economics & Finance Scientists report, released on 1 March 2023.

The 2023 rankings report by Research.com, a leading academic platform for researchers, contains a list of the best scholars in the field of economics and finance from various institutions across the world, who are making immeasurable scientific contributions to their fields.

Gupta, a Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS), is among more than 8 100 prolific scientists who were ranked and included on the list based on a number of indicators and metrics. These included a D-index (Discipline H-index) of 30, provided that the listed researchers’ publications were in the field of economics and finance; contribution to the field; as well as accolades by the scientist in their fields.

Dr Imed Bouchrika, Chief Data Scientist and Head of Content for Research.com, says the report aims to provide the academic community with access to the intellectual capital of leading scientists in the world, and attract researchers to contribute to the finance and economics fields.

“Through this report, we hope that researchers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs from all parts of the world will be inspired to observe and study market dynamics, as led by expert scientists in economics and finance. It also gives us the opportunity to get to know the leading experts in specific research areas of economics and finance, from different universities in various countries,” he said.

Prof Gupta, who has a string of honours for his research contribution and excellence in his discipline, is ranked 367 globally and first nationally in the second edition of the Research.com rankings report. He has been awarded the Best Researcher Award in his Faculty for nine consecutive years since 2014. Prof Gupta has an impressive research profile, which boasts a D-Index of 65, over 17 600 citations, and almost 1 200 publications in highly acclaimed international journals.

Speaking on his rankings in the report, Prof Gupta said the recognition is a great surprise, as he never places focus on rankings, ratings and other awards.

“I am humbled by this recognition. I enjoy the work that I do and collaborating with other researchers globally to conduct quality and meaningful research. Therefore, I have always tried to do the best I can by doing research at the frontier of the discipline, primarily in the areas of macroeconomics and financial economics, dealing with topics that are currently relevant,” he said.

Prof Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, extended her heartfelt congratulations to Prof Gupta for this well-deserved recognition.  She highlighted that Prof Gupta's continuous commitment to excellence and his immense contribution to the field that is central to society are noteworthy.

“He has demonstrated exceptional expertise and dedication to his work, and his efforts have had a positive impact on society,” she said.

Prof Chitiga-Mabugu further stated that it is gratifying to witness the global recognition of EMS researchers for their outstanding research and their significant impact on society. She noted that “the global recognition of EMS researchers in world rankings, is a testament to the Faculty's quality and international standing.”

She stressed that as academics, excellence is crucial in addressing societal challenges effectively through research.