Sources of Data and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Economics and Finance Scientists in Brazil Ranking is primarily based on bibliometric data aggregated from leading databases, including OpenAlex and CrossRef, alongside multiple other reputable data sources. These databases provide comprehensive and high-quality metadata on scientific publications, citations, and related scholarly outputs. The citation-based metrics used to formulate this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026, ensuring that the evaluation incorporates the most current and relevant information available. A scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric calculated exclusively from papers and citations pertinent to the examined discipline—Economics and Finance in this context—thus reflecting disciplinary-specific impact rather than broader, cross-disciplinary influence.
Scope of Research Covered in the Ranking
The ranking process analyzed profiles of 279,971 scientists aggregated from a diverse array of bibliometric data sources encompassing all scientific disciplines worldwide. Among these, four thousand scientists were identified as belonging specifically to the fields of Economics and Finance. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a researcher was required to have a D-index of at least 30, ensuring a baseline level of scholarly impact within the discipline. Additionally, the majority of a candidate’s tier publications had to be categorized within Economics and Finance, affirming dedicated focus in this domain. Researchers’ awards and documented achievements within Economics and Finance were also factored into qualification considerations.
The threshold for the D-index was set incrementally in steps of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, carefully calibrated to include the top 1% of leading researchers. A stringent proximity criterion was applied, whereby the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index was limited to 30% or less. This measure was designed to ensure the scholar’s impactful academic contributions are closely aligned with the discipline evaluated, enhancing the ranking’s precision and relevance.
Additional Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing the inherent limitations of relying solely on raw bibliometric data, the Research.com team exercises meticulous manual verification of all scientist profiles. Each profile has been cross-correlated against publications in a wide variety of trustworthy sources to validate accuracy and authenticity. While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the researcher’s ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary signal of the individual’s contribution and reputation within the Economics and Finance research community.
The final positions within the ranking are established exclusively by using the D-index as calculated from data obtained via OpenAlex and CrossRef, which remain the most prominent and well-regarded bibliometric databases available to researchers globally. For an in-depth understanding of the comprehensive methodology and rigorous vetting processes underpinning this ranking, we encourage readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
The overarching mission driving the creation of the Research.com rankings is to provide a transparent, reliable, and insightful resource that motivates researchers, corporate entities, and policymakers worldwide. Our objective is to illuminate the trajectories of leading experts, offering clarity on who the foremost scholars are within specific areas of study, across various countries, or within prominent research institutions. By fostering increased visibility and recognition for top researchers, we aim to catalyze collaboration, strategic decision-making, and informed investment in scientific advancement at all levels of the global research ecosystem.
