Data Sources and Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Earth Science Scientists in Brazil Ranking is primarily based on comprehensive bibliometric data collected from leading data repositories including OpenAlex and CrossRef, complemented by multiple other reputable data sources. The citation-based metrics that underpin the ranking were gathered on January 12, 2026, ensuring up-to-date and relevant data for evaluation. Each scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a metric designed to reflect a researcher’s impact specifically within the discipline of Earth Science by incorporating only papers and citation counts related to that field.
Scope and Criteria of the Ranking
The ranking examined a total of 279,971 scientist profiles compiled from diverse bibliometric sources across all disciplines, focusing specifically on 55 scientists active within the Earth Science domain. To qualify for inclusion, a scientist’s D-index needed to be at least 30, ensuring a high standard of research excellence. Additionally, a majority of each qualifying scientist’s top-tier publications had to be situated within the Earth Science discipline. Consideration was also given to awards and notable achievements relevant to Earth Science to further validate the scientist’s standing in this field.
The threshold for the D-index is established with increments of 10, relative to the estimated total number of researchers within each discipline. This methodology guarantees the inclusion of approximately the top 1% of leading scholars in each subject area. Furthermore, the ranking ensures that the difference between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index remains within 30%, emphasizing a focus on discipline-specific impact rather than broad or unrelated research activity.
Verification and Validation Procedures
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone is insufficient for an absolute evaluation of scholarly output, the Research.com team implements rigorous manual verification procedures. Researchers’ profiles were cross-referenced and validated against publications indexed in a broad spectrum of established and trustworthy sources to ensure accuracy and authenticity. While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence ranking positions, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution to their field.
The position in the ranking was ultimately determined by the D-index derived from data aggregated through OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and widely recognized bibliometric databases accessible to the research community. For a more detailed explanation of the methodology underpinning this ranking, we encourage readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, corporate entities, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the trajectories of leading experts in science. By providing transparent and meticulously curated rankings, we aim to facilitate an informed overview of the foremost scholars in specific disciplines, within countries, and across institutions. Our goal is to empower the entire scientific community with accessible and credible information about where expertise lies, thereby fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic decision-making in research and development.
