Ranking: WHU Researchers Some of the Best in the World

Academic analyst outfit Research.com has recently published the fifth edition of its Best Business and Management Scientists ranking, reaffirming the strong reputation of the researchers at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

In comparison to last year’s edition of the ranking, in which six researchers active at WHU made an appearance, this most recent release features seven: Professor Holger Ernst (#45 in Germany; and #1343 worldwide), Professor Lutz Kaufmann (#47; #1596), Professor Dries Faems (#67; #2039), Professor Nadine Kammerlander (#68; #2061), Professor Stefan Spinler (#70; #2228), Professor Burcin Yurtoglu (#72; #2290) and Professor Klaus Brockhoff (#94; #2951). 

The top spot worldwide went to Professor David Audretsch, an honorary professor at WHU. 

Additionally, Professor Burcin Yurtoglu placed #98 in Germany and #2751 worldwide in the Best Economics and Finance Scientists ranking for 2026.

Both rankings reflect the top 1% of researchers worldwide in a given field of study.

“We are delighted that our faculty is so prominently featured in this ranking, especially given that we have fewer researchers in comparison to other institutes,” said Professor Christian Andres, Dean of WHU. “These high placements show just how serious we are in our pursuit of excellence. I extend my congratulations to those honored.”

For its rankings, Research.com places researchers based on the D-Index (Disciplinary H-Index), a metric that exclusively accounts for publications and citation impacts within a given field. Additional evaluation criteria include the proportion of contributions made within that field, as well as any notable academic awards or achievements. The rankings are published annually.

All rankings can be found on Research.com.