NEW DELHI: In a significant milestone for the Indian scientific community, Kolkata has emerged as the country’s leading city in scientific research, as per the prestigious Nature Index 2024. Ranked 84th globally among the top 200 scientific cities, Kolkata has cemented its position as a key player in quality research. This achievement not only underscores the city’s rich academic legacy but also reflects its growing contribution to global scientific advancements.
The Nature Index measures the performance of cities and institutions based on their contributions to articles published in leading scientific journals. Each city’s “Share” reflects its proportional contribution to these high-impact publications, while the “Count” indicates the total number of articles contributed.
Kolkata leads India’s scientific landscape
Among Indian cities, Kolkata Metropolitan Area (MA) leads with a Share of 183.40 and a Count of 398, contributing 12.5% to India’s overall research Share. It is closely followed by Bengaluru (85th globally), Mumbai MA (98th), Delhi NCR (124th), and Hyderabad MA (184th).
Kolkata’s performance this year outpaced major international research hubs like Edinburgh, Helsinki, and Geneva. Globally, Beijing retained the top spot, with Shanghai climbing to second place, displacing New York to third. This rise highlights the growing dominance of China in the global research ecosystem.
Legacy of scientific excellence in Kolkata
Kolkata’s achievement in the Nature Index is not just a reflection of its present-day contributions but also its historical legacy in science. The city has been home to several iconic scientific institutions and luminaries.
Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), established in 1876 by Dr. Mahendralal Sircar, IACS played a pivotal role in advancing Indian science. It was here that Nobel laureate C.V. Raman conducted groundbreaking research, earning the Nobel Prize for the Raman Effect in 1930.
Professor Satyendra Nath Bose, the theoretical physicist collaborated with Albert Einstein to develop the Bose-Einstein statistics in 1924, a foundation for quantum mechanics.
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), founded in 1931 by Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, ISI continues to be a global leader in statistical research and applications.
Here’s a list of luminous institutions in Kolkata known for their contributions to scientific education, research and innovation –
China’s unstoppable rise in research
On the global stage, the Nature Index 2024 has highlighted China’s expanding footprint in scientific research. Beijing, with nearly double the Share of Shanghai, extended its lead as the top science city. Beyond Beijing and Shanghai, cities like Nanjing, Chengdu, and Hefei are becoming significant contributors, challenging traditional research strongholds in Europe and North America. Here are the top 10 cities excelling in research according to the Nature Index 2024-
| Rank | Location | Articles Published | Share (%) |
| 1 | Beijing, China | 9,180 | 18.4% |
| 2 | Shanghai, China | 4,871 | 9.6% |
| 3 | New York, USA | 6,007 | 10.4% |
| 4 | Boston, USA | 5,400 | 10.2% |
| 5 | Nanjing, China | 3,222 | 6.8% |
| 6 | San Francisco Bay Area, USA | 4,481 | 7.7% |
| 7 | Baltimore – Washington, USA | 4,166 | 6.7% |
| 8 | Guangzhou, China | 2,974 | 5.7% |
| 9 | Wuhan, China | 2,356 | 5.1% |
| 10 | Tokyo, Japan | 2,806 | 37.5% |
Why the Nature Index Matters?
The Nature Index serves as a benchmark for scientific excellence by tracking research output across diverse fields, including physical sciences, life sciences, and chemistry. Its rankings are based on parameters such as Share, which accounts for proportional contributions, and Count, which measures absolute output.
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