By Jamie Martin
Dr Vara Prasad, a well-known agronomy expert, has earned a place on the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list, a global honour that recognizes scholars whose work shapes scientific progress. This recognition is given to researchers whose published papers rank among the top one percent of most cited studies worldwide. Dr. Prasad is the only scholar with Kansas State University as his primary affiliation to receive this honour in 2025.
“This remarkable achievement highlights Dr. Prasad’s leadership in advancing K-State’s research mission and shaping our future as a next-gen land-grant university,” said Hans Coetzee, vice president for research.
This marks his fourth year in a row on the list, reflecting his consistent impact on global agricultural science. Leaders at K-State praised the achievement, noting that it highlights his commitment to advancing the university’s research mission and supporting its role as a next-generation land-grant institution.
Dr. Prasad’s work focuses on how crops respond to environmental conditions such as heat, drought, and changing climates. He develops management strategies that help protect crop yields and strengthen food security. His teaching, research, and outreach extend across many countries, and he is known for building human and institutional capacity worldwide. Over the years, he has trained and mentored more than 220 scholars from 15 countries, helping shape the next generation of agricultural scientists.
He has published more than 560 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. His work has earned over 41,000 citations, giving him an impressive h-index of 104 and an i-10 index of 362. His research projects have gained more than $200 million in funding, including nearly $150 million for projects where he served as the principal investigator.
Dr. Prasad is also a respected leader in his field. He is an elected fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also represents K-State on the board of the Council of Agricultural Science and Technology.
“It is an honor for K-State to be represented on this list, and it is great to have a colleague like Dr. Prasad in our department who consistently achieves milestones like this,” said Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, professor and interim department head of agronomy.
Colleagues describe him as an inspiring researcher who consistently achieves important scientific milestones. His recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher reflects both his dedication to science and his commitment to strengthening agriculture around the world.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
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