Eight researchers from our Department recognized in the 2026 Elsevier Top 2% Scientists ranking

We are proud to announce that, once again this year, eight researchers from our Department have been included in the prestigious 2026 Elsevier Top 2% Scientists ranking, which recognizes the most highly cited scholars with the greatest international impact, both over their entire careers and in the most recent year.

This important achievement reflects the quality of the scientific research conducted within our University, as well as our researchers’ contribution to the advancement of knowledge and to innovation in the biomedical and clinical fields.

The Department researchers included in the ranking are:

• Prof. Ciriaco Carru: His research focuses on circulating biomarkers, such as microRNAs and plasma polyamines, for cancer diagnosis and risk stratification, particularly in prostate cancer. He also works on the molecular and epigenetic characterization of colorectal and breast cancers. (2025 impact).
• Prof. Francesco Cucca: His research focuses on the genetic basis of complex diseases with a major social and public health impact, in Sardinia and worldwide. His aim is to identify their causes and understand their pathogenic mechanisms in order to discover new therapeutic targets. (2025 impact).
• Dr. Paolo D’Aquila: His research focuses on the role of dopamine in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs and in the activation of goal-directed, reward-seeking behaviours. (Career-long impact).
• Prof. Gianfranco Pintus: His research investigates the biochemical mechanisms linking oxidative stress, ageing, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, exploring intercellular communication and the role of natural compounds. His aim is to identify new targets to prevent damage and preserve tissue function. (2025 impact).
• Prof. Fabio Scarpa: His research focuses on the genetic variability and evolution of viruses with epidemic potential, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses and hantaviruses. He uses bioinformatic tools and phylogenetic analyses to study their spread and evolutionary dynamics. (2025 impact).
• Prof. Leonardo Sechi: His research investigates the activation of endogenous retroviruses in neurological diseases (ALS, multiple sclerosis) and in cancer. He also studies the role of a mycobacterium in inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease) and in autoimmune disorders (type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis). (2025 impact).
• Prof. Angelo Zinellu: His research focuses on the development and application of analytical methods to study biochemical markers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Using a translational approach, he aims to improve understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and to support clinical diagnostics. (Career-long and 2025 impact).
• Dr. Stefano Zoroddu: His research focuses on biochemical and molecular pathways in oncology, particularly in rhabdomyosarcoma. He also works on the assessment of biochemical and clinical biomarkers and antioxidant systems using experimental and meta-analytical approaches. (2025 impact).

The Department congratulates all the researchers on this recognition and on their ongoing commitment to promoting scientific excellence.