Data Sources and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Ecology and Evolution Scientists in Zambia Ranking is primarily derived from comprehensive bibliometric data aggregated from leading databases, namely OpenAlex and CrossRef, supplemented by multiple other reputable data sources. The bibliometric data used to compute citation-based metrics were collected as of 2026-01-12, ensuring the ranking reflects the most current and accurate research impact measures available. A scientist's position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a metric that exclusively accounts for papers and citations within the specific discipline under examination, thus providing a refined and discipline-focused assessment of research influence.
Scope of Research and Criteria for Inclusion
The ranking process involved an extensive examination of 279,971 scientist profiles drawn from diverse bibliometric databases across all disciplines, with a particular focus on 1 scientist identified specifically within Ecology and Evolution. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist is required to have a minimum D-index of 30. Additionally, the majority of their tier publications must be concentrated in the field of Ecology and Evolution, with consideration also given to their documented awards and recognized achievements within the discipline.
The D-index threshold is calibrated in increments of 10, adjusted according to the total number of scholars estimated within each discipline. This approach guarantees that the top 1% of leading scholars are captured in the ranking. Furthermore, to ensure disciplinary focus, the ranking considers only those researchers whose general H-index and D-index differ by 30% or less, thereby maintaining consistency between overall and discipline-specific impact.
Verification and Validation Practices
At Research.com, we recognize that raw bibliometric data should not be used as an absolute indicator of scholarly output or quality. Accordingly, all scientist profiles included in the ranking have undergone meticulous manual verification and cross-correlation against publications indexed in a broad array of trustworthy sources. Although not a determinant in the ranking position, metrics such as the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings serve as valuable secondary signals of a scientist's contribution within their respective research area.
The ranking positions are fundamentally established using each researcher’s D-index, derived from data curated through OpenAlex and CrossRef, which are widely acknowledged as the most prominent and reliable bibliometric databases available to the global research community. For a detailed overview of the methodology applied in compiling this ranking, we encourage readers to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
Our mission at Research.com is to inspire researchers, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to track and understand the trajectories of leading experts. This ranking aims to provide the scientific community with transparent and reliable insight into who the foremost authorities are in specific fields of study, across different countries, and within particular research institutions. By doing so, we strive to foster collaboration, informed decision-making, and recognition of excellence that will advance science globally.
