A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined based on their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized variant of the H-index. The D-index considers only those publications and citations pertinent to the examined discipline—in this case, Economics and Finance—thereby providing a focused reflection of a researcher’s impact within their specific field.
Scope and Selection Criteria
The ranking encompasses an extensive evaluation of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a variety of bibliometric sources across all scientific disciplines. Specifically, within the scope of Economics and Finance, 4,000 scientists were examined in detail. To qualify for inclusion, a researcher’s D-index had to be at least 30, and the majority of their tier publications had to be within the domain of Economics and Finance. Additionally, scientists’ awards and achievements in the field were considered as supporting factors, reinforcing their demonstrated expertise and contributions.
The threshold for the D-index is dynamically calibrated based on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. It is set in increments of 10 to ensure that the top 1% of leading experts in the field are incorporated in the list. Furthermore, to maintain disciplinary focus, only researchers whose general H-index and D-index differ by no more than 30% are included, ensuring consistency between a scientist’s overall citation impact and their discipline-specific influence.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
We acknowledge that raw bibliometric data alone should never serve as the sole tool for evaluating scholarly output. Accordingly, all scientist profiles included in the ranking were manually verified and cross-referenced against publications in a broad spectrum of trustworthy sources to validate accuracy and authenticity.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not a direct factor in determining ranking positions, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution to the field. The ranking positions themselves are established solely using each researcher’s D-index, derived from the meticulously gathered data via OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and well-maintained bibliometric databases available.
For further details on the comprehensive methodology and verification processes involved, we invite readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
The creation of this ranking aligns with Research.com’s broader mission to inspire researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to analyze and appreciate the trajectories of leading experts. By providing a robust, transparent, and data-driven platform, we aim to facilitate awareness within the global scientific community of who the foremost specialists are in particular areas of study, across different countries, and within research institutions.
Through this ranking, we seek to foster connections, inform strategic decisions, and promote excellence in research—advancing knowledge creation for the benefit of academia and society at large.
