Bibliometric data utilized in constructing this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. To ensure precision and relevance, a scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index). The D-index specifically measures scholarly impact by considering only those papers and citation metrics relevant to the discipline under examination, in this case, Ecology and Evolution.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
Our analysis encompassed 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a diverse array of bibliometric data repositories spanning all academic disciplines. Within this extensive dataset, two scientists specializing in Ecology and Evolution were specifically examined. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist’s D-index needed to meet a minimum threshold of 30. Additionally, a majority of their top-tier publications had to be explicitly within the field of Ecology and Evolution, ensuring strong disciplinary relevance. Apart from bibliometric performance, scientists’ awards and achievements within the Ecology and Evolution community also factored into the qualification process.
The D-index threshold for selecting top researchers is strategically set in increments of 10, reflecting the total number of estimated scholars per discipline. This adaptive threshold ensures inclusion of the top 1% of leading scholars within each field. Furthermore, to guarantee disciplinary alignment, the difference between a scientist’s overall general H-index and their Ecology and Evolution-specific D-index is maintained within a proximity of 30% or less.
Verification Practices and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing the inherent limitations of raw bibliometric data as an absolute measure of scholarly output, the Research.com team has implemented robust additional verification practices. Every scientist profile included in the ranking was meticulously and manually verified. This involved cross-correlation against publications from a wide range of trustworthy and authoritative sources to validate accuracy and relevance.
While not a direct input to a researcher's rank, the volume of papers published in high-impact journals and respected conference proceedings serves as an important secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution within Ecology and Evolution.
The final position in this ranking is computed using each researcher’s D-index derived from the curated bibliometric information from OpenAlex and CrossRef, two of the most prominent and widely acknowledged bibliometric databases accessible to the global research community. For further details on the methodologies employed, please refer to our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
Research.com’s mission in creating and publishing this ranking is to inspire and empower researchers, enterprises, and policymakers worldwide to identify emerging trends and directions pursued by leading experts. Our goal is to provide a transparent and reliable platform for the entire scientific community to recognize who the foremost scholars are within specific disciplines, countries, and academic institutions. By fostering increased awareness of scientific leadership, we aim to strengthen collaboration, innovation, and strategic decision-making across the global research ecosystem.
