Two professors from Florida State University have been recognized as among the world’s most highly cited researchers, placing them in the top 1% of scientists and scholars globally for research influence.
Thomas Joiner, a professor in the Department of Psychology, and A. Stewart Fotheringham, a professor in the Department of Geography, received this distinction from Clarivate. The recognition is based on producing multiple highly cited papers over the past decade, indicating significant impact in their respective fields—suicide prevention and spatial data analytics.
Clarivate awards this designation to researchers whose publications are ranked in the top 1% by citations for their field and year within the Web of Science Core Collection. This honor is given to about one out of every 1,000 researchers worldwide.
Joiner is known for his work on suicide prevention. He directs the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors at FSU, where he leads research into suicidal ideation, diagnoses, and safety measures related to access to lethal means. His contributions include developing and testing the interpersonal theory of suicide, which has become a foundational framework in contemporary suicide research. Joiner also serves as co-director of the Military Suicide Research Consortium funded by the Department of Defense.
Brad Schmidt, chair of the Department of Psychology in FSU’s College of Arts & Sciences, said: “Thomas is not only a prolific researcher, but his work has profoundly influenced practicing clinicians. We are doing a better job assessing for suicide and bringing it out of the shadows because of the bright light that Thomas has shone on it with his theory and empirical work over his career. His research, including the many students he has inspired, has substantially influenced the way we think about, assess and treat suicide risk.”
Fotheringham holds the Krafft Professorship in Spatial Data Science at FSU’s Department of Geography and directs its Spatial Data Science Center. He is noted for pioneering advanced statistical methods applied to spatial data analysis. His work addresses how location affects social, economic, and health outcomes through modeling techniques used to study public health trends, crime patterns, migration flows, urban development issues, and environmental concerns.
Anne Chin, chair of FSU’s Department of Geography said: “Stewart has transformed how researchers and policymakers understand the role of location in complex societal issues. His innovative work in spatial data analytics has not only advanced our tools, but it has also provided practical insights into a range of issues that include public health, urban development and social patterns. Through his research and mentorship, Stewart has shaped a generation of scholars and left a lasting mark on the field of geography. The advances and approaches that he has championed will continue to lead us into meeting the global challenges of tomorrow.”
Both professors’ achievements highlight Florida State University’s expanding profile as an institution engaged in influential research that informs clinical practice as well as public policy decisions.
