Data Sources and Bibliometric Basis for the Ranking
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Earth Science Scientists in Switzerland Ranking primarily utilizes data from OpenAlex and CrossRef, alongside multiple other reputable bibliometric data sources. These platforms represent some of the most comprehensive and widely recognized databases available for scholarly publication and citation metrics. The bibliometric data informing the citation-based metrics for this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. The position of each scientist within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), which is a refined metric that exclusively accounts for papers and citation statistics relevant to the examined discipline, ensuring a precise reflection of a researcher's impact within Earth Science specifically.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
The ranking is based on a thorough examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from diverse bibliometric sources across all academic disciplines. Within this dataset, 191 scientists specializing in Earth Science were analyzed in detail. To qualify for inclusion, a scientist’s D-index had to be at least 30, and the majority of their tier publications must reside within the Earth Science domain. Additionally, a researcher’s awards and professional achievements in Earth Science were factored into consideration.
The D-index threshold is strategically set in increments of 10 relative to the total number of scholars estimated in each discipline. This approach ensures that the top 1% of leading scholars are incorporated into the ranking. Furthermore, to maintain a consistent disciplinary focus, a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index should not diverge by more than 30%.
Verification Practices and Credibility Assurance
At Research.com, we recognize that raw bibliometric data alone can never serve as the sole measure to evaluate the output and influence of scholars. To uphold the integrity and reliability of this ranking, all scientist profiles underwent manual verification and were cross-correlated against publications documented in a broad array of trustworthy sources. While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not directly factored into the positioning within the ranking, it remains a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contributions to the field.
The D-index—used to establish position in the ranking—is derived from data gathered through OpenAlex and CrossRef, which are regarded as the most prominent and well-respected bibliometric databases accessible to the scientific community. For a detailed explanation of the methodology and additional verification protocols, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision Behind the Ranking
Our mission with this ranking is to motivate researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to engage with and understand the trajectories of leading experts in Earth Science. By providing transparent and meticulously vetted insights, we aim to facilitate the scientific community's efforts to identify who the foremost experts are within specific areas of study, across different countries, and within various research institutions. This initiative seeks to foster connectivity, collaboration, and recognition in the global academic ecosystem, ultimately advancing the progress of Earth Science research.
