Data Sources and Bibliometric Collection
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Ecology and Evolution Scientists in Switzerland Ranking is grounded in a comprehensive and robust dataset derived primarily from the OpenAlex and CrossRef bibliometric databases, supplemented by multiple other authoritative data sources. These platforms collectively provide rich metadata on publications, citations, and author affiliations, enabling a detailed assessment of research impact. The bibliometric data used to devise the citation-based metrics were systematically collected on January 12, 2026, ensuring currency and precision in the evaluation process. A scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their Discipline H-index (D-index), a specialized metric that exclusively accounts for papers and citation metrics pertinent to the Ecology and Evolution discipline, thereby ensuring an accurate reflection of discipline-specific research contributions.
Scope and Selection Criteria of the Ranking
This ranking was built upon an extensive review of 279,971 scientist profiles, curated from a diverse range of bibliometric data repositories and encompassing all scientific disciplines. Within this comprehensive pool, 149 scientists specifically identified with the Ecology and Evolution field were examined in detail. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist’s D-index had to be at least 30, and the majority of their tier publications needed to focus explicitly within Ecology and Evolution. Additionally, researchers’ awards and notable achievements within the discipline were considered as supplementary indicators of excellence.
The threshold for the D-index is strategically set in increments of 10, calibrated to the total estimated number of scholars in each discipline. This approach guarantees inclusion of the top 1% of leading scholars while maintaining rigor in selection standards. Furthermore, to ensure disciplinary alignment, the proximity between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index was required to be 30% or less, reinforcing that the measured outputs are representative of their principal research area.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing the inherent limitations of raw bibliometric data as sole evaluative instruments, the research team conducted meticulous manual verification of all scientist profiles. This process included cross-correlation of publication records against a wide spectrum of trustworthy sources to ascertain accuracy and eliminate discrepancies. While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly affect a researcher’s ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary signal of a scientist's influence and contributions within their specific research domain.
The final ranking positions are established using each researcher’s D-index derived from data aggregated by OpenAlex and CrossRef—the foremost bibliometric databases widely acknowledged by the scholarly community. For those interested in delving deeper into the methodology behind this ranking, we invite you to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
At Research.com, our mission is to stimulate global engagement among researchers, academic institutions, corporations, and policymakers by highlighting the trajectories of leading experts. We aim to provide a transparent and reliable platform where the scientific community can identify and connect with top researchers in distinct fields of study across countries and within research institutions. Through this ranking, we seek to foster informed collaboration, support evidence-based decision making, and accelerate the advancement of science worldwide.
