Dilantha Fernando, a professor in the department of plant science at U of M, has been ranked among the world’s top two per cent of scientists by Stanford University, a recognition reserved for researchers whose contributions have demonstrated exceptional impact and consistency.
Stanford University’s annual ranking highlights the top echelon of scientists globally. This distinction is based on an assessment of bibliometric data, evaluating factors such as the h-index, total number of citations, and co-authorship-adjusted metrics. Only scientists ranking in the top two per cent of their subfields — across 22 broad disciplines and 176 specialized areas — are included. Fernando acknowledged that this is “a very prestigious thing to receive.”
The achievement is owed not only to individual scholarship but also collective effort. Fernando attributed much of his success to the works of his graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. As a seasoned educator and research leader, Fernando emphasized the importance of setting a standard for research excellence. “I give the direction, the vision, and get the research proposals that get funding to do research that is meaningful for Canadians and the world,” he stated.
In explaining how inclusion in the list is calculated, Fernando said, “I will be in that category of two per cent ranked scientists around the world permanently.” The distinction reflects a five-year period of significant contribution and impact in his research area.
His pride in this achievement extends beyond personal fulfilment. “It’s more than an award,” Fernando reflected. “I think it is the prestige that I bring to the university and to the community of scientists in the University of Manitoba.” He added that the university “has been a wonderful place for me to conduct my research.”
This recognition matters deeply in both academic and practical terms. Being listed among the top two per cent of scientists globally strengthens a scientist’s credibility and influence across academic, policy and industry landscapes. It often opens new doors for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Fernando’s research focuses primarily on agricultural sustainability, with notable breakthroughs that extend beyond academia. One of his proudest accomplishments is his work on canola disease mitigation. He helped reverse an agricultural trade setback with China by addressing blackleg disease in canola, a condition that could have cost Canada approximately $3 billion annually. His strategic intervention not only protected Canadian exports but also elevated the U of M’s international research profile.
“Most of my research is related to sustainability,” he explained, emphasizing his commitment to long-term, solution-driven science.
This honour is especially noteworthy given his balancing of roles in both academic and administrative leadership. “As a dean I have administrative work, but along with it I have been able to maintain a very vibrant research program in the faculty of agriculture and food sciences and achieve this ranking.”
Alongside these responsibilities, Fernando is grounded by his family, whom he regarded as integral to his journey. “Family is very important for me. I do almost everything with my family, and they are very supportive,” he said.
Dilantha Fernando is also the dean of St. Paul’s College and the founding editor-in-chief of Plants, an international journal, and the first non-British editor-in-chief of the British Society for Plant Pathology’s journal. He is a fellow of the American Phytopathological Society and past president of the Canadian Phytopathological Society, currently serving as editor for six international journals, shaping global research in plant science.
