The ranking methodology centers on the Discipline H-index, known as the D-index, which uniquely focuses on publications and citations strictly within the examined discipline of Economics and Finance. This approach ensures that the ranking reflects a researcher’s impact specific to their field, avoiding distortions caused by work outside the discipline.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
In formulating the ranking, an extensive pool of 279,971 scientist profiles across all disciplines was initially examined using bibliometric data collected from diverse sources. Within this global set, 66 scientists specializing in Economics and Finance were identified and assessed in detail.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist’s D-index had to reach a minimum threshold of 30, with the majority of their tier publications clearly situated within Economics and Finance. Additionally, a researcher’s awards and recognized achievements within the discipline were factored into the evaluation to capture significant qualitative dimensions of scholarly excellence.
The D-index threshold for selection adjusts dynamically in increments of 10 based on the total estimated number of scholars within each discipline. This adaptive threshold ensures that the ranking consistently incorporates the top 1% of leading experts within their fields while maintaining rigorous standards. Furthermore, the methodology requires that the proximity between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index remains within 30%, ensuring the specialized impact aligns closely with their overall scholarly influence.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot provide an absolute measure of academic contribution, the Research.com team has undertaken meticulous manual verification and cross-correlation of all scientist profiles against publications from a broad array of trustworthy sources. This rigorous validation process underpins the credibility and reliability of the ranking results.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and leading conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s position within the Research.com ranking, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution to their discipline. The final ranking position is determined by each researcher’s D-index, calculated from data primarily sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef.
We encourage readers to explore the detailed methodology behind our approach on our methodology page, where the full scope of data collection, verification, and ranking criteria are transparently described.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
The creation of this ranking aligns with Research.com’s broader mission: to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to follow the trajectories of leading experts across disciplines. By providing a clear, data-driven view of who the foremost authorities are in specific areas of study—across different countries and research institutions—we aim to foster greater connectivity and awareness within the global scientific community.
Through diligent, transparent, and methodologically sound efforts, Research.com strives to support informed decision-making in academia, industry, and governance, ultimately advancing the progress of science and innovation worldwide.
