A researcher's position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that includes only those publications and citations directly relevant to the discipline under examination—in this case, Ecology and Evolution. This discipline-specific focus allows for a more precise evaluation of scholarly impact within the particular field.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
To establish the scope of the ranking, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles were evaluated from a diverse array of bibliometric data sources across all scientific disciplines. Among these, 2,012 scientists specifically identified with Ecology and Evolution were closely analyzed.
For inclusion in the ranking, a scientist’s D-index needed to be at least 30, reflecting a substantial and focused contribution to Ecology and Evolution. Furthermore, the majority of their tier publications had to be clearly within the domain of Ecology and Evolution. Beyond bibliometric measures, scientists’ notable awards and achievements within the discipline were also taken into account.
The threshold for the D-index to consider top researchers is dynamically set as increments of 10 depending on the estimated population of scholars within each discipline. This approach guarantees the inclusion of the top 1% of leading scholars. Additionally, to ensure the relevance of the D-index within the individual’s broader academic profile, the proximity between a scientist’s general H-index and their Discipline H-index was maintained at 30% or less.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot capture the full scope of a scholar's contributions, the Research.com team carried out meticulous manual verification of all scientist profiles. This process included cross-correlating profiles against publications in a wide range of trustworthy sources, further substantiating the data quality and validity.
While not directly influencing a researcher’s position in the ranking, the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings was considered a valuable secondary signal of substantive contribution within Ecology and Evolution. The final ranking is based explicitly on each researcher's D-index derived from data gathered from OpenAlex and CrossRef, thereby grounding the list in the most reliable and widely respected bibliometric data sources available.
For a detailed explanation of the methodology applied, please refer to our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire and empower researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide by providing transparent insights into where leading experts in various scientific fields are focusing their efforts. By identifying and celebrating top scientists in specific disciplines and geographic regions—such as Ecology and Evolution experts in Brunei—we facilitate engagement within the scientific community and foster recognition of outstanding academic achievement.
Through this ranking, we aim to enhance the global dialogue between researchers and stakeholders in academia and industry, advancing knowledge sharing and promoting collaboration. The rigorous and meticulous approach underpinning this ranking ensures it stands as a credible and trusted resource for understanding scientific leadership at multiple scales.
