FABI is proud to announce that three of our researchers have been named on the 2025 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list. They include Prof. Mike Wingfield, Prof. Cobus Visagie and Prof. Pedro Crous (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute; Extraordinary Professor at UP) . The list recognises scientists whose publications are ranked among the top 1% most cited globally, reflecting sustained influence and leadership in their fields. Professors Wingfield and Visagie are amongst only 11 South African University researchers included on the list this year. Prof Wingfield is listed in the cross-field category and Prof Visagie in the Plant and Animal Sciences category.

Prof. Wingfield and Prof. Crous are recognised for the ninth and twelfth time, respectively, acknowledging their long-standing impact in forest pathology, fungal systematics and biodiversity research. This year marks the first time that Prof. Visagie has been included on the list, whose work on fungal biodiversity, taxonomy and food security (particularly mycotoxins) has gained significant international prominence.

The recognition of three FABI-affiliated scientists underscores the Institute’s growing global footprint and reaffirms the University of Pretoria’s commitment to producing high-impact, internationally relevant research. FABI congratulates all three researchers on this outstanding achievement.