National-, institutional-, and individual-level determinants of dermatologic research excellence: an analysis of Stanford–Elsevier Lists of the top 2% scholars worldwide (2017–2023)

Background: Skin diseases contribute to a massive and often overlooked component of the global disease burden, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the dermatologic research landscape and its key drivers of excellence. Aim: To explore the national, institutional, and individual-level determinants that shape dermatologic research excellence worldwide. Methods: -index, and composite score). Results: ). In adjusted models, higher HDI and UHC aligned with higher citation counts. Conclusion: Dermatologic research excellence remains concentrated in high-income, predominantly European and Anglophone ecosystems, within a small cadre of elite institutions and among older, male scholars. Policymakers should focus on targeted funding for under-represented regions and institutional reforms to ensure equitable career advancement for women in academic dermatology.