Current Role and Organizational Context
Jonathan Adams serves as Chief Scientist and Director of the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), which is a strategic unit within Clarivate Analytics. The ISI is integral to Clarivate’s Web of Science Group, focusing on the development and application of bibliometric and analytical approaches to research evaluation and policy. His leadership role involves guiding research assessment methodologies and promoting responsible use of scientific metrics within Clarivate’s portfolio of products and services aimed at higher education, government, and research institutions globally.
Academic and Professional Titles
- Chief Scientist, Institute for Scientific Information, Clarivate Analytics
- Director, Institute for Scientific Information
- Visiting Professor at King’s College London, specifically affiliated with its Policy Institute.
- Formerly associated with other academic institutions in roles supporting research policy and higher education development.
Educational Background
- Holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology from the University of Liverpool.
- Earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biological Sciences from the University of Leicester.
- Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by the University of Exeter in 2017, in recognition of his substantial contributions to higher education, research policy, and analysis.
Career Trajectory and Prior Experience
- Prior to joining Clarivate, Jonathan Adams served as Chief Scientist at Digital Science from 2013 until March 2018.
- He was the lead founder and Director of Evidence Ltd, a company focused on research evaluation, from 2000 onward.
- Held the position of Director of Research Evaluation at Thomson Reuters (2009–2013), a precursor to Clarivate’s ISI.
- Held senior academic administrative roles including Dean for Strategic Development and Director of Research Strategy at the University of Leeds.
- Served as an Assistant Secretary and Science Policy Advisor to the UK government, contributing to science and innovation policy frameworks.
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Jonathan Adams is widely recognized as an expert in research policy and bibliometrics, with extensive publication records in scholarly journals and contributions to books in the field of science policy and research evaluation. His work emphasizes the responsible interpretation of bibliometric data, highlighting the nuances and caveats necessary for accurate research assessment. He co-authors clarivate’s major reports and is deeply involved in efforts to shift research evaluation from simplistic metrics to richer, visual research profiles enabling better policy and management decisions.
Notable Publications and Reports
- Co-author of the Annual Clarivate G20 Scorecard Report, providing insights into global research economies and trends.
- Contributor to global research reports examining the impact of international collaboration, multi-authorship, and socioeconomic factors on research output and citation measures.
- Advocate for and author of analyses encouraging a move away from over-reliance on single citation metrics to comprehensive, multi-dimensional evaluation frameworks within Clarivate’s product suite.
- His research on citation impact and global research leadership is frequently cited in Clarivate press releases and industry podcasts.
Professional Recognition and Awards
- Recipient of the Derek de Solla Price Memorial Medal in 2019, recognizing outstanding contributions to scientometrics and informetrics.
- Holds the status of Highly Cited Researcher as designated by Clarivate, indicating significant influence and citation impact in his fields of expertise.
- His honorary degree and leadership roles underscore his respected standing in both scientific and policy-making communities.
Industry and Thought Leadership
Jonathan Adams regularly participates in Clarivate-hosted webinars, podcasts, and panel discussions, often articulating trends in global research collaboration, metrics evolution, and regional research capacity development. His insights are sought in discussions about the future directions of research assessment and data analytics in academia and government sectors.
Contact and Presence
- Active on LinkedIn: [Jonathan Adams LinkedIn Profile](https://linkedin.com/in/jonathan-adams)
- Verified email domain: @clarivate.com (used in professional correspondence and publications)
- Engages with research and policy communities through Clarivate’s web platforms, blog posts, and webinars.
Jonathan Adams represents a key strategic and scientific leader within Clarivate Analytics, whose expertise bridges research evaluation, bibliometrics, and science policy, backed by a strong academic and advisory background. His role at ISI places him at the forefront of shaping how research impact is measured and communicated within Clarivate’s global client base, making him a pivotal figure in the company’s engagement with academic and government research sectors.
