Rick Barth has been recognized as the most cited scholar in social work, and in a review of 20 years of Research on Social Work Practice journal.
In a review of 20 years of Research on Social Work Practice publications, Rick Barth stands out, having achieved 590 citations across just 12 papers—an average of 49.17 citations per publication. This remarkable influence is a testament to the high relevance of his work within the field. Beyond these scholarly achievements, Barth has authored hundreds of publications, helped shape national child welfare policy, and chaired pivotal social work initiatives, continually advancing social justice and evidence-based public service.