We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Manuel B. Garcia, the esteemed director of our Educational Innovation and Technology Hub, has been recognized as one of the top 2% scientists worldwide. This prestigious ranking comes from the latest data-update published by Elsevier on 4 October 2023 in their "Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators."

About the Database

The database, curated by renowned scholar John P.A. Ioannidis from Stanford University, is a comprehensive collection of top-cited scientists providing detailed metrics such as citations, h-index, co-authorship adjusted hm-index, and a unique composite indicator, the c-score. This rigorous selection process evaluates scientists based on their career-long impact as well as their contributions within the most recent year. The data is a testament to Dr. Garcia's exceptional influence in the area of research.

The importance of citations in the academic world cannot be overstated. Citations, which are references made by one research paper to another, serve as a key measure of a researcher's impact and influence in their field. A high number of citations indicates that a scientist's work is widely recognized and utilized by peers, suggesting its significance and relevance. The h-index is another crucial metric, assessing both the productivity and citation impact of a researcher's publications. A high h-index means a researcher has a substantial number of highly cited papers, denoting a strong influence in their field.

The inclusion of the co-authorship adjusted hm-index and c-score in the database further refines the evaluation of a scientist's impact. The hm-index adjusts the h-index to account for co-authorship, providing a more nuanced view of a researcher's contributions, especially in collaborative works. The c-score, a composite indicator, considers not only the number of citations but also the context of those citations, including co-authorship and the position of the author in the published works. These metrics combined give a comprehensive and multi-dimensional view of a scientist's influence, underscoring their standing and contribution in the scientific community.

A Remarkable Feat Among Philippine Scientists

Dr. Garcia's inclusion in this esteemed list is even more significant given that only 50 scientists from the Philippines were recognized, with Dr. Garcia ranking as the 24th among them. This is a notable achievement, considering that most of the names on the list are seasoned researchers and distinguished professors. His positioning among such esteemed peers highlights the exceptional quality and impact of his work in the global scientific community.

This recognition places Dr. Garcia in an elite group of Filipino scientists who are leading the way in their respective fields. The presence of only 50 scientists from the Philippines in this global ranking underscores the competitive nature and high standards set by the database. Dr. Garcia's rank as the 24th among them not only brings honor to himself but also to the Philippine scientific community as a whole. It reflects the growing influence and contribution of Filipino scholars to international research and development. His work, therefore, serves as an inspiration for upcoming researchers in the Philippines, showcasing the potential and excellence that can be achieved on a global scale.

Notably, Dr. Garcia is the first and only individual from the Far Eastern University group of schools to be recognized in this prestigious list. This singular achievement underscores the unique and significant contributions Dr. Garcia has made, not just in the Philippine academic landscape but also within his institution. It marks a historic moment for the Far Eastern University, elevating its status in the global academic community and inspiring future generations of scholars and researchers from the university to aspire to similar heights of academic excellence and global recognition.

The Distinctive Path of a Young Scholar

Despite his relatively early stage in academia, Dr. Garcia's recognition is a reflection of his groundbreaking contributions and innovative spirit. His interdisciplinary approach and the practical application of his research in educational technology set him apart. Dr. Garcia's forward-thinking methodologies and ability to connect different academic disciplines have earned him this high-level recognition, underscoring the importance of innovation in academic research.

Dr. Garcia's journey embodies the spirit of relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. His achievements, at such a young age, are not only a source of pride but also a beacon of inspiration, motivating both current and future generations of scholars. As he continues to break new ground and set new standards, Dr. Garcia's story stands as a resounding testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to innovate and lead. His success is a vivid reminder that in the world of academia, passion, perseverance, and creativity can lead to extraordinary achievements and global recognition.

This recognition is not just a personal achievement for Dr. Garcia but also an honor for our institution, reflecting our commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and academic excellence. We congratulate Dr. Garcia on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to his continued contributions to the world of educational innovation and technology.