A view of Shenzhen Technology University in Pingshan District. Photo from the university

Hundreds of researchers from Shenzhen have been included in the 2026 Stanford/Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists List. 

Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU), based in Pingshan, has 24 scholars on the list, spanning five disciplines and 21 subdisciplines. Over the past five years, the number of SZTU scholars included in the annual scientific-impact list has grown from seven to 22, while the number recognized for their career-long scientific impact has risen from two to nine. The gains reflect the university’s steady progress in research, academic influence and talent development.

Professor Li Jian, co-founder of Pingshan-based Shenzhen Jingdan Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd., also known as CrystalO Biopharma, was included in both the annual and career-long rankings. His research focuses on innovative drug discovery and molecular mechanisms. He ranked among the top 0.51% worldwide for single-year impact and the top 1.48% for career-long impact in his field, recognizing his sustained contributions to international research.

Pingshan has made talent-driven innovation central to its development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the district’s R&D intensity reached 11.8%, with enterprises accounting for more than 98% of total R&D spending, reinforcing their role as key drivers of innovation. The district added nine university technology-commercialization centers, while local companies received nine National Science and Technology Awards and 22 China Patent Awards.

The number of innovation platforms at or above the municipal level grew to 226. The district also saw a sharp increase in high-level talent and Ph.D. holders, and produced its first academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and its first National Distinguished Engineer. Together, these achievements are helping build a multi-tiered talent base to support high-quality development.