A researcher’s position within this ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric that evaluates academic impact strictly within the specific discipline of Earth Science. This ensures that the ranking reflects disciplinary relevance, considering only papers and citation data pertinent to Earth Science.
Scope and Criteria of the Ranking
To formulate this ranking, a comprehensive initial pool of 279,971 scientist profiles covering all disciplines was examined, of which 2 scientists were specifically identified within Earth Science based in Burkina Faso. To qualify for inclusion, candidates were required to have a D-index of at least 30, with a majority of their tier publications concentrated in Earth Science. Additionally, scientists’ awards and distinguished achievements in Earth Science were also taken into account as key qualitative factors.
The D-index threshold for inclusion is carefully calibrated as an increment of 10 and varies depending on the estimated total number of scholars per discipline. This method ensures representation of the top 1% of leading experts globally, while maintaining a proximity of 30% or less between a scientist’s overall H-index and their discipline-specific D-index. This approach helps to balance general scholarly productivity with specialized impact.
Verification and Quality Assurance
At Research.com, we fully recognize that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of a researcher's output or influence. Therefore, all scientist profiles included in the ranking underwent manual verification and were cross-correlated against publications listed in a wide array of trustworthy sources to confirm data validity and author identity.
Although not a formal factor in ranking placement, the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings was considered a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s research contribution within Earth Science. The ranking position itself is determined exclusively by the D-index, derived from OpenAlex and CrossRef data — two of the most prominent and authoritative bibliometric databases available.
For further details regarding the detailed methodology and data processing steps involved in creating this ranking, we encourage you to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
Our overarching mission at Research.com is to motivate researchers, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to explore where leading experts in science and technology are focusing their efforts. By providing transparent, data-driven rankings of top scientists by discipline, country, and institution, we offer the global scientific community a valuable resource to identify and connect with leading experts across diverse fields.
Through this initiative, we aim to facilitate collaboration, informed decision-making, and recognition of excellence in research, thereby contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and its application for societal benefit.
