Mike Thelwall

Professor Mike Thelwall is a Professor of Data Science at the School of Information, Journalism and Communication, University of Sheffield. He holds a BSc and PhD from Lancaster University. His research spans scientometrics, metascience, and social media analytics, with a focus on quantitative methods and AI applications in research evaluation. He leads the ESRC-funded AI Peer project assessing LLMs in research evaluation and studies scientific retractions and misinformation. Previously at the University of Wolverhampton (1989–2023), he founded the Statistical Cybermetrics Research Group, advancing bibliometrics and webometrics. He has supervised 22 PhD students and developed influential tools like SentiStrength (sentiment analysis), Mozdeh (social media analysis), and Webometric Analyst.

Education:

• BSc in Mathematics, Lancaster University
• PhD in Library and Information Science, Lancaster University

Research Interests:

• Bibliometrics and altmetrics
• AI applications in research evaluation (LLMs, machine learning)
• Sentiment analysis and social media metrics
• Research integrity and retractions
• Interdisciplinary collaboration analysis

His work emphasizes reflexive methodologies and has been cited over 56,000 times. He received the de Solla Price Medal in 2015 and contributed to the Metric Tide review of UK research metrics. Current projects include assessing AI in peer review and societal impact of research via museums and galleries.

Key Collaborations:

• European and international research networks
• UN agencies (UNDP, FAO)
• UKRI, ESRC, Gulbenkian Foundation