ISRO researcher makes global top 2 percent scientists list for second time

Devadas Menon, a researcher working with the Indian Space Research Organisation, has earned a spot on the 2026 Stanford University-Elsevier World's Top 2% Scientists list for the second consecutive year. He is the sole researcher from India featured in the Communication and Media Studies subfield. Hailing from Chikkaballapur, Mr. Menon works as a communication researcher at ISRO's Development and Educational Communication Unit in Ahmedabad. He completed his Master's degree in Electronic Media from Bangalore University and previously worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Media and Communication at the Central University of Tamil Nadu. His research focuses on cyberpsychology and how digital media users behave in India. His studies look at the psychological factors driving the use of short-form video apps like Instagram Reels, viewing habits on over-the-top streaming platforms, and the adoption of conversational artificial intelligence. He aims to adapt media and technology models from Western settings to fit India's social and cultural realities. His upcoming work will explore the mental effects of generative AI, deepfakes, and algorithmic influence. The Stanford-Elsevier list relies on standard bibliometric indicators using Scopus data to measure research impact across fields. Mr. Menon holds a global rank of 56,727 and a rank of 790 within his specific subfield.

Context

The Stanford-Elsevier list is a widely recognized annual compilation that identifies top global researchers based on standardized citation impact metrics. Such academic recognition highlights the growing contribution of Indian researchers to specialized global fields like digital media and cyberpsychology.