Data Sources and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Ecology and Evolution Scientists in New Caledonia Ranking relies primarily on comprehensive bibliometric data sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, complemented by multiple other reputable data repositories. The collected data centers on citation-based metrics compiled as of January 12, 2026, which form the foundation for evaluating research impact and productivity. A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined bibliometric measure that includes only publications and citations relevant to the specific discipline of Ecology and Evolution. This ensures a focused and discipline-sensitive assessment of each researcher’s contributions.
Scope and Selection Criteria
The ranking is grounded in an extensive analysis of 279,971 scientist profiles aggregated from various bibliometric databases across all scientific disciplines. Within the specialized area of Ecology and Evolution, 2,183 scientists were examined to identify leading researchers. To qualify for inclusion in this ranking, a scientist’s D-index must be at least 30, with the majority of their tier publications centered on Ecology and Evolution. Additionally, notable awards and achievements within the discipline are considered as complementary indicators of scholarly impact.
The D-index threshold is calibrated dynamically in increments of 10, according to the estimated total number of active scholars in each discipline, thereby ensuring representation of the top 1% of leading experts globally. Furthermore, to maintain coherence in disciplinary evaluation, a candidate’s D-index and general H-index must differ by no more than 30%, reflecting a strong alignment between their overall scholarly influence and their discipline-specific impact.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully encapsulate a researcher’s scientific contribution, all profiles included in the ranking underwent meticulous manual verification. This process involved cross-referencing individual records against publications indexed in a wide array of trusted academic sources to ensure data reliability and accuracy. Although the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a researcher’s active engagement and stature in the field.
The ranking position is ultimately established using each researcher’s D-index, derived from data within OpenAlex and CrossRef — the most prominent and widely recognized bibliometric databases accessible to the research community today. For a detailed outline of the analytical framework and evaluation methodology, we encourage readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers worldwide to gain insights into where leading experts are directing their efforts. By providing a transparent, rigorous, and carefully constructed ranking system, we offer the scientific community a trusted resource to identify and acknowledge top researchers in specific fields, geographic regions, and research organizations. Through these efforts, we aim to promote collaboration, elevate scientific standards, and support informed decision-making across the global research ecosystem.
