Professor Ravi Gupta of the College of Future Convergence at Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) has been named to the “2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists” list, jointly released by Stanford University and Elsevier, for the third consecutive year. The “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list identifies the top 2% of researchers with the highest research impact in each academic field by comprehensively analyzing researchers’ citation metrics and research achievements based on Elsevier’s Scopus database.
 
Professor Ravi Gupta has conducted research in the fields of plant physiology, biochemistry, and functional genomics to elucidate plant responses to environmental stress and the mechanisms of immune regulation. In particular, he utilizes mass spectrometry-based proteomics to study proteins and post-translational modifications (PTMs) involved in plant defense against pathogens and adaptation to stress. To date, he has published over 190 papers and received more than 5,500 citations.
 
Professor Gupta’s primary research areas include plant immunity, functional genomics, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Post-translational modifications are chemical changes that occur after a protein is synthesized and serve as a crucial mechanism for regulating protein activity and function. Professor Gupta utilizes cutting-edge mass spectrometry techniques and next-generation 4D proteomics to precisely analyze these changes and identify key proteins and molecular networks that regulate plant immune responses.
 
In particular, his recent research has focused on elucidating the role of post-translational modifications—such as lysine acetylation induced by nitric oxide (NO)—in the immune response of rice. The research team is analyzing the impact of these modifications on immune signaling and pathogen defense in rice, and aims to uncover the molecular principles of plant immunity by identifying the relevant proteins and regulatory networks.
 
This research is expected to identify new molecular targets and genetic resources that can enhance crop disease resistance, thereby helping to reduce crop yield losses caused by diseases and the burden of pesticide use. In the long term, the goal is to apply these research findings to crop breeding and the development of sustainable agricultural technologies.
 
Professor Gupta’s research is also aligned with “KMU VISION 2035: EDGE,” the mid- to long-term development strategy being pursued by Kookmin University to mark its 80th anniversary. Kookmin University has designated biotechnology as one of its eight specialized fields and is strengthening its related educational and research capabilities. In particular, this study—which focuses on plant immunity and functional genomics—is significant in that it demonstrates the potential to extend the outcomes of basic research in the biotechnology field to the agriculture and environmental sectors.
 
Professor Ravi Gupta stated, “I am honored to have been selected as one of the world’s top 2% of researchers for three consecutive years.” He added, “This achievement is thanks to the efforts of my fellow researchers and students who have worked with me, and it serves as a great motivation to continue my research into elucidating plant immunity and stress responses.”
 
He continued, “Moving forward, we will continue to utilize cutting-edge proteomics and functional genomics to elucidate plant defense mechanisms and translate our research findings into practical outcomes that contribute to improving crop disease resistance and advancing sustainable agriculture.”

△ Photo: Professor Ravi Gupta of the College of Future Convergence at Kookmin University