Data Sources and Bibliometric Indicators
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Ecology and Evolution Scientists in Malta Ranking was created using a comprehensive aggregation of bibliometric data primarily derived from OpenAlex and CrossRef, augmented by multiple other reputable data sources. The citation-based metrics employed for this ranking were collected on 2026-01-12, ensuring a recent and robust dataset. The ranking position of each scientist is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric that considers only the publications and citations relevant to the specific discipline under examination—in this case, Ecology and Evolution. This methodological choice ensures an accurate reflection of scholarly impact within the targeted field without conflating contributions from unrelated disciplines.
Scope of Research and Eligibility Criteria
The ranking was based on an extensive evaluation of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from diverse bibliometric databases representing all scientific disciplines. Within this dataset, 1,000 scientists specifically focusing on Ecology and Evolution were thoroughly examined. To qualify for inclusion in the Ecology and Evolution ranking, a scientist’s D-index was required to be at least 30. Additionally, a majority of the researcher’s tier publications had to be directly related to Ecology and Evolution.
Beyond bibliometric thresholds, the ranking also took into account the scientist's recognized awards and achievements within the Ecology and Evolution community, acknowledging the qualitative indicators of research excellence. The D-index threshold for identifying top researchers increments by steps of 10 based on the estimated size of the scholarly population in each discipline. This approach guarantees the inclusion of the top 1% of leading scholars per domain. Finally, a proximity criterion was applied, stipulating that the difference between the scientist’s general H-index and their discipline-specific D-index should be no greater than 30%, thereby ensuring the consistency and relevance of their disciplinary impact.
Verification and Validation Processes
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output, the researchers involved in the creation of this ranking undertook extensive manual verification. Each scientist profile was carefully cross-correlated against publications indexed across a broad array of reliable, high-quality sources. Although not directly influencing ranking positions, the volume of papers published in prominent journals and esteemed conference proceedings was also documented as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contributions to their field.
The final rankings were established on the basis of each researcher’s D-index calculated from data sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef—the leading and most trusted bibliometric databases available to the research community. For a detailed explanation of the methodology employed, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Purpose
Research.com’s overarching mission in compiling this ranking is to inspire researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the trajectories and focal areas of leading experts. By providing transparent and rigorously curated information on top scientists across various countries and institutions, we aim to facilitate meaningful connections within the global scientific community. This ranking serves as a reliable guide for recognizing distinguished experts in Ecology and Evolution, fostering collaboration, and driving informed decision-making in research investment and policy development.
