The bibliometric data utilized for constructing the citation-based metrics were collected on January 12, 2026. The ranking methodology employs the D-index (Discipline H-index) to position researchers, a refined metric that considers only those papers and citations strictly relevant to the examined discipline of Ecology and Evolution. This approach ensures the ranking reflects subject-specific research influence rather than general scholarly productivity.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
Our analysis began with the examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified across a spectrum of bibliometric databases spanning all scientific disciplines. Within that set, 171 researchers specializing in Ecology and Evolution were specifically evaluated for inclusion in this ranking.
To qualify for consideration, a scientist must have achieved a minimum D-index of 30, with the majority of their tier publications situated squarely in the domain of Ecology and Evolution. Additionally, recognized awards and notable achievements within this field contributed to the qualification process.
The D-index threshold is adaptively set in increments of 10, calibrated to the total number of scholars in each discipline, while guaranteeing the inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Furthermore, a proximity criterion ensures that the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their discipline-restricted D-index does not exceed 30%, maintaining alignment between general and specialized research impact.
Verification Practices and Methodological Rigor
At Research.com, we acknowledge that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output. Consequently, all scientist profiles featured in this ranking were subjected to meticulous manual verification. Profiles were cross-checked against publications listed in a diverse range of authoritative and trustworthy sources to confirm accuracy and relevance.
While not directly influencing a researcher’s position in the ranking, the volume of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is recognized as a meaningful secondary indicator of a scientist’s research contributions within the Ecology and Evolution community.
Positions in this ranking are ultimately established based on the D-index, computed with bibliometric information gathered from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and widely used databases accessible to the research community. Researchers and academic representatives interested in a complete and detailed explanation of the ranking process are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
Our overarching mission at Research.com is to inspire researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the trajectories of leading experts. By creating accessible insights into who the foremost authorities are within specific fields, countries, and institutions, we aim to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and informed decision-making at every level of the scientific ecosystem.
This ranking represents a concerted effort to provide the scientific community with a transparent, credible, and rigorously developed tool—empowering stakeholders to identify, connect with, and recognize leaders driving progress in Ecology and Evolution research.
