The ranking methodology centers on the D-index (Discipline H-index), a refinement of the traditional H-index that includes only papers and citation metrics relevant to the specific discipline under examination — in this case, Earth Science. This targeted approach allows for a more precise assessment of a scientist’s impact within their primary area of expertise.
Scope of the Ranking and Eligibility Criteria
In formulating the ranking, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles were examined across all disciplines leveraging data from multiple bibliometric sources, with a dedicated focus on 1,000 scientists specifically identified within Earth Science. To qualify for inclusion in the Earth Science ranking, a researcher had to meet stringent criteria:
- A minimum D-index of 30, ensuring only highly impactful researchers are considered.
- A majority of their tier publications published within Earth Science, maintaining subject area relevance.
- Recognition of scientists’ awards and achievements within Earth Science was also incorporated as an evaluative factor to complement the citation metrics.
The D-index threshold is calibrated dynamically in increments of 10, proportional to the estimated size of scholars within each discipline. This adaptive threshold ensures that approximately the top 1% of leading scholars in Earth Science are included in the list, while also requiring the proximity between a researcher’s general H-index and their D-index to be no greater than 30%, thus validating the consistency of their disciplinary excellence.
Additional Verification Practices
Recognizing the limitations of raw bibliometric data as an absolute measure of scholarly output, the research team behind this ranking undertook meticulous manual verification of all included scientist profiles. This process involved cross-correlating publication records against a diverse array of trusted sources to confirm accuracy and to address potential data inconsistencies.
While the explicit number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not a direct factor in determining a scientist’s position within the Research.com ranking, such information serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a researcher's contribution and influence within Earth Science.
Ultimately, each position in the ranking is established leveraging the researcher’s D-index as derived from the comprehensive data obtained via OpenAlex and CrossRef—among the most prominent and well-regarded bibliometric databases available to the global research community.
For further details on the methodology and data handling processes, readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
Research.com’s initiative in creating this ranking reflects our core mission to motivate researchers, academic institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to better understand the trajectories of leading experts in their respective fields. By providing a transparent, data-driven platform that identifies and highlights top scientists in Earth Science, we facilitate a more connected scientific community.
This ranking acts as a valuable resource for recognizing excellence, fostering collaboration, and informing strategic academic and policy decisions. It empowers the scientific community to not only acknowledge but also engage with the leading contributors to Earth Science research in New Caledonia and beyond.
