Loveland, who retired in 2018 as chief scientist after a 38-year career at EROS, is still active as co-chair of the 21-member Landsat Science Team. He has been called one of the world’s leading land cover and land cover change experts.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

The nine Landsat Science Team members also recognized are: Martha Anderson (USDA), Matt Hansen (University of Maryland), Patrick Hostert (Humboldt University of Berlin), Alexei Lyapustin (NASA), David Roy (Michigan State University), Eric Vermote (NASA), Curtis Woodcock (Boston University), Mike Wulder (Canadian Forest Service), and Zhe Zhu (University of Connecticut).

Another longtime EROS collaborator, Steve Stehman (State University of New York) is also listed. He has provided sampling and accuracy assessment research and support to EROS land cover studies for almost 20 years, Loveland said.

“The recognition of so many external scientists that have committed their time to advancing the success of Landsat is a testimony to the strength of the Landsat Science Team and the importance top researchers place on the role of Landsat in understanding a changing Earth,” Loveland said.

“In my case, I acknowledge old age and the commitment to teamwork, and especially the wisdom to collaborate with smart people, as factors in my appearance on the list,” added Loveland, recognized for citations in more than one field.

The list recognizes 6,600 researchers from around the world in 21 fields of science and social science, including more than 2,600 researchers from the United States.

Follow this link to view the full 2021 Highly Cited Researchers list.