A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized variant of the traditional H-index. The D-index evaluates only those publications and citations that are directly relevant to the examined discipline—in this case, Economics and Finance—providing a nuanced and focused measure of disciplinary impact.
Scope of Research and Eligibility Criteria
The ranking process analyzed 279,971 scientist profiles collated from a diverse array of bibliometric sources, spanning all academic disciplines. Specifically within Economics and Finance, five thousand scientists were examined in detail. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, candidates were required to have a D-index of at least 30. Additionally, a majority of their tier publications needed to be within the Economics and Finance domain, ensuring that the ranking reflects specialization and leadership in these fields.
Beyond bibliometric thresholds, scientists’ awards and achievements pertinent to Economics and Finance were also taken into consideration to refine the assessment of scholarly impact. The D-index threshold for top scholars is calibrated in increments of 10, adjusted according to the estimated size of the discipline’s scholarly population. This scaling ensures the ranking consistently includes the top 1% of leading researchers. Moreover, to maintain disciplinary relevance, candidates were required to exhibit no more than a 30% difference between their general H-index and their D-index scores.
Verification and Validation Procedures
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data is an imperfect tool for fully capturing the multifaceted contributions of scholars, the research team conducted thorough manual verification of all scientist profiles. Each profile was cross-checked against publications in a broad range of authoritative sources to confirm accuracy and legitimacy.
While not directly influencing the D-index-based ranking, the volume of publications in prestigious journals and conference proceedings serves as an important secondary indicator of a researcher’s contribution to Economics and Finance. The ranking itself is determined strictly by the D-index derived from the aggregated data provided by OpenAlex and CrossRef, which remain the gold standard for bibliometric information accessible to the scientific and academic communities.
For detailed insights into the methodologies employed in this ranking, including data collection, analysis, and verification protocols, please consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
Research.com’s overarching mission in producing this and similar rankings is to empower researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide by providing transparent and rigorous insights into where leading experts are advancing their fields. By offering a reliable, data-driven resource that identifies top scientists across disciplines, countries, and institutions, Research.com facilitates informed decision-making and collaboration within the global scientific community.
Through this ranking, we aspire to foster greater visibility for exceptional scholars in Economics and Finance, thereby encouraging innovation, excellence, and impactful research outcomes that resonate both locally and internationally.
