The bibliometric data used to derive the citation-based metrics for this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their Discipline-specific H-index, or D-index. This metric accounts exclusively for papers and citation metrics within the examined discipline, allowing for a focused and relevant assessment of scientific impact within Computer Science.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
In creating the ranking, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles were examined across all academic disciplines, with a focused subset of 284 scientists identified specifically in the field of Computer Science. To qualify for inclusion, a researcher was required to have a D-index of at least 30, ensuring recognition of only the most impactful contributors within the discipline.
In addition to the D-index threshold, a majority of the scholar’s tier publications needed to be within the domain of Computer Science. Awards and notable achievements in the field were also considered to supplement the evaluation and ensure recognition of meaningful contributions beyond bibliometric measures alone.
The threshold for the D-index is calibrated in increments of 10, reflecting the total estimated number of scholars in each discipline and designed to guarantee the inclusion of the top 1% of leading researchers. Furthermore, a proximity criterion was applied whereby the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index does not exceed 30%, ensuring consistency in disciplinary impact.
Additional Verification Practices
The team behind this ranking fully acknowledges that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of a scholar’s output or influence. Accordingly, all scientist profiles underwent manual verification and were cross-correlated against publications from a wide range of trustworthy sources. This rigorous approach ensures a high degree of accuracy and credibility in the final ranking.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the ranking position, it constitutes a valuable secondary signal of a scientist’s contribution to their research domain.
Ultimately, the position in the ranking is established from each researcher’s D-index, derived from verified data provided by OpenAlex and CrossRef, which are widely recognized as the most prominent and reliable bibliometric databases available to the research community.
For further details on the methodology and verification process, please visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
Research.com is committed to motivating researchers, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and policy makers worldwide to closely examine and understand the trajectories of scientific leadership. Our mission is to provide a transparent, reliable, and carefully curated resource through which the global scientific community can identify and engage with the foremost experts in specific fields of study, across different regions and within various research institutions.
Through this ranking, we aim to foster increased collaboration, informed decision-making, and recognition of research excellence, ultimately contributing to the advancement of science and technology in Spain and beyond.
