Data Sources and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Ecology and Evolution Scientists in Panama Ranking is primarily built upon comprehensive bibliometric data sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, alongside multiple additional trusted data repositories. The citation-based metrics that underpin the ranking, including the calculation of the D-index (Discipline H-index), were collected on January 12, 2026. This bibliometric approach ensures that only publications and citation data explicitly related to the discipline of Ecology and Evolution are factored into the computation of each scientist’s position in the ranking.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
Our evaluation began with an examination of 279,971 scientist profiles aggregated from diverse bibliometric sources across all scientific disciplines. Within the specific domain of Ecology and Evolution, 21 scientists met the rigorous inclusion criteria to be considered for this ranking. To qualify, a scientist’s D-index had to be at least 30, and a majority of their tier publications needed to be within Ecology and Evolution. Additionally, researchers’ awards and notable achievements within the discipline were taken into account to ensure recognized contributions were acknowledged.
The D-index threshold for consideration adapts by increments of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, while ensuring the inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Furthermore, to maintain disciplinary relevance, the proximity between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index must be 30% or less, guaranteeing that their impact is predominantly within Ecology and Evolution.
Additional Verification and Ranking Methodology
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data is never an infallible indicator of scholarly output, every scientist profile included in this ranking has been manually verified. This manual validation involved cross-correlating publications with a diverse array of authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and authenticity of records.
While 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 overall contribution to their field.
The position of each scientist within the ranking is established exclusively via their D-index, calculated from information gathered from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and reputable bibliometric databases accessible to the research community. For a detailed overview of the rigorous methodology and data practices employed, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
The creation of this ranking aligns with Research.com's mission to inspire researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to observe and understand the trajectories of leading experts in diverse fields. It provides an essential resource for the global scientific community to identify key contributors in specific areas of study, by country or institution, thereby fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and informed decision-making in research and development arenas.
