Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, Head of the Department of Physics Dr. M.C. Rao and 20 faculty members of the SRM University-A.P. received global recognition after featuring in the World’s Top 2% Scientists list compiled by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier.

A statement released by SRM University–AP, Amaravati, said it had recorded a significant rise in the number of recognised researchers from seven last year to 20 this year, reflecting its expanding research capabilities across multiple disciplines. The recognition spans Earth and environmental sciences, information and communication technologies, strategic technologies, physics, chemistry and mathematics.

The list is based on Scopus citation metrics and recognises researchers for their scholarly contributions and research impact.

Addressing a felicitation ceremony on campus, SRM University–AP Vice-Chancellor Ch. Satish Kumar emphasised the importance of research quality and long-term impact over numerical metrics. Prof. Soumitra Datta, Advisor to the SRM Group, highlighted knowledge creation as the foundation of a university’s identity, while research leaders stressed international collaboration, academic integrity and translating research into meaningful outcomes.

Among the recognised faculty members are Prof. Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian, Dr. Akash Balakrishnan, Dr. Deblina Dutta, Dr. Aditya Kumar Sahu, Dr. Randhir Kumar, Prof. Saraju Mohanty, Prof. Karthik Rajendran, Prof. Upadrasta Ramamurty and Prof. Yoshiyuki Kawazoe, among others.

Adding to the State’s academic distinction, Dr. M. C. Rao of Andhra Loyola College has secured a place on the global list in Physics for the seventh consecutive year, from 2020 to 2026. According to the college authorities, his global position has improved from 934 to 810, supported by 278 research publications. He is also reported to be the only scientist from an undergraduate college in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to feature in the Physics category.

The achievements highlight the growing research contributions of higher educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh. SRM University–AP has been strengthening its research infrastructure and interdisciplinary initiatives, including emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, while Andhra Loyola College continues to gain recognition through sustained faculty research.