Rhian Touyz and Matthias Friedrich named Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers, ranking them among the world’s most influential scientists in 2025
The Institute's researchers among 24 McGill scholars recognized for global research influence
SOURCE: McGill University
December 5, 2025
Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute), has been named to Clarivate's 2025 Highly Cited Researchers™ list. This distinction places her among the world's most influential scientists whose work ranks in the top one per cent by citations in their respective fields—reflecting rigorous scholarship and broad international impact.
“This exceptional achievement is a source of pride for all of us at The Institute. Dr. Touyz’s scientific leadership brings outstanding visibility to our Institute and to the entire McGill research ecosystem.”
— Dr. Sarah Prichard, Chair of the Board of Directors, The Institute
In total, 24 McGill researchers were recognized in 2025, up from 14 in 2024, underscoring the University's growing global research footprint across disciplines ranging from neuroscience to environmental science. Dr. Touyz's inclusion highlights her landmark contribution to understanding the mechanisms of hypertension, the leading risk factor for death worldwide. Her work reflects the strength of The Institute in driving discovery that matters to patients and communities.
Reflecting his influential contributions to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, Dr. Matthias Friedrich, Senior Scientist in The Institute's Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program (CHAL), is also featured on the 2025 list. Since its establishment in 2015, The Institute's Cardiovascular MR Research Group has been at the forefront of cardiac imaging innovation and, under Dr. Friedrich's direction, the group has developed pioneering techniques in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), particularly oxygenation-sensitive CMR (OS-CMR). This needle-free imaging method allows for a non-invasive assessment of tissue pathology and coronary vascular function, revolutionizing cardiac diagnostics and care.
Clarivate's annual Highly Cited Researchers™ list identifies scientists whose publications demonstrate exceptional influence through sustained citation performance. This year, Clarivate recognized 6,868 individuals from more than 1,300 institutions across 60 countries and regions.
Canada also maintained a strong position globally, ranking sixth overall in 2025 with 227 Highly Cited Researchers—representing 3.2 per cent of the world total.
The Institute congratulates Drs. Touyz and Friedrich on this global distinction and celebrates the scientific excellence it represents across the McGill research community.
Click here for the full list of Highly Cited Researchers™ at McGill.
Click here for Clarivate's complete 2025 Highly Cited Researchers™ list.
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