Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Professor Dr. Paulo Pereira, Head of the Environmental Management Research Laboratory, has once again been recognised among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in the latest Stanford/Elsevier database update for 2026. His continued inclusion in the ranking reflects the international visibility of his scientific work and his long-standing contribution to environmental research.

Professor Dr. Paulo Pereira’s research focuses on some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges, including soil conservation, ecosystem services, nature based solutions, climate change, ecosystem health, and sustainable natural resource management.

Five Consecutive Years Among the World's Top 2% Scientists

The latest Stanford/Elsevier database, published on 7 October 2026, evaluates researchers’ citation impact using Scopus data. The assessment takes into account citation counts, the h-index, authorship contributions, and other bibliometric indicators, with separate results for career-long and single-year scientific impact.

Professor Dr. P. Pereira's inclusion in the 2026 ranking continues an uninterrupted record of recognition dating back to 2022. He was previously featured in the Stanford/Elsevier lists in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, demonstrating the sustained international impact of his research.

His scientific achievements have also received recognition through other international rankings. In 2020, he was included in the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list. More recently, in June 2026, Professor Dr. P. Pereira was ranked the leading environmental scientist in Lithuania for the third consecutive year by the international Research.com ranking.

While these rankings apply different methodologies, they collectively highlight the sustained international recognition of Professor Dr. P. Pereira's research and its contribution to the global scientific community.

From Scientific Research to Practical Environmental Solutions

At MRU, Professor Dr. Paulo Pereira leads and contributes to international research projects that seek practical solutions to environmental challenges. His work extends beyond scientific publications, supporting a better understanding of environmental processes and helping institutions make more informed decisions on natural resource management.

One example is the international Lakes Go Digital project, implemented in cooperation with partners from Lithuania and Latvia. The project uses smart buoys to collect water quality data from six lakes in both countries. In Lithuania, the monitoring equipment has been installed in Lakes Mastis and Germantas.

The technology enables continuous observation of changes in water conditions, providing valuable information for researchers and local authorities

He is also involved in the international ENGAGE project, which focuses on developing more effective nutrient management strategies to reduce water pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Another important initiative is OptFor-EU, a European research project exploring forest management approaches that can help strengthen the resilience of European forests to climate change.

These initiatives represent only a small part of the environmental research projects carried out by Professor Dr. P. Pereira and his team at MRU. With new projects launched and international collaborations established each year, the Environmental Management Reasearch Laboratory continues to expand its research activities, explore emerging environmental challenges, and contribute to the development of innovative, science-based solutions.

Through these projects, MRU researchers collaborate with international partners to develop scientific knowledge that can be applied to environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

“What Matters Most Is the Value Our Research Brings to Society”

Reflecting on his continued international recognition, Professor Dr. P. Pereira emphasises that the true value of scientific research lies in its contribution to society.

“I am pleased that my scientific work continues to receive international recognition. Thanks to my team and international colleagues and friends. However, what matters most to me is not my position in rankings, but the value our research can bring to society. Climate change, water pollution, and ecosystem degradation present increasingly complex challenges that require us to work together to find solutions. The international projects carried out at Mykolas Romeris University allow us to bring together the expertise of researchers from different countries and develop solutions that help us better understand and protect our environment,” says Professor Dr. Paulo Pereira.

Professor Dr. P. Pereira’s achievements also reflect the growing international visibility of environmental research at MRU. Through participation in international scientific networks and collaborative projects, the University contributes to addressing environmental challenges and developing knowledge that supports sustainable development.

While citation rankings provide an important indication of scientific influence, the practical application of research remains essential. Scientific evidence plays a key role in understanding environmental changes, assessing risks, and developing effective responses to climate change and ecosystem degradation.

Professor Dr. Paulo Pereira’s continued international recognition highlights the importance of combining scientific excellence with international cooperation and research that contributes to a more sustainable future.