A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized variant of the traditional H-index that considers only publications and citations pertinent to the specific discipline under examination—in this case, Economics and Finance. This ensures that the ranking reflects a researcher’s impact and productivity within their relevant field rather than across unrelated disciplines.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking reviewed 279,971 scientist profiles verified and identified across various bibliometric sources encompassing all academic disciplines. Within this comprehensive dataset, 138 scientists were specifically classified under the field of Economics and Finance.
To qualify for inclusion in the Economics and Finance ranking, a researcher’s D-index needed to be at least 30, and the majority of their tier publications had to be attributed to Economics and Finance. Additionally, scientists’ recognized awards and significant achievements within the discipline were considered to complement the bibliometric indicators.
The D-index threshold is adjusted incrementally by 10 points based on the total estimated scholar population within each discipline, thereby ensuring that the top 1% of leading researchers in the field are consistently captured. Furthermore, to maintain disciplinary coherence, included researchers exhibit a proximity of 30% or less between their general H-index and their D-index, ensuring their primary research activity is within Economics and Finance.
Additional Verification Practices
The researchers behind this ranking recognize that raw bibliometric data should never be regarded as an absolute or solitary measure of scholarly output or impact. Consequently, all scientist profiles considered for the ranking have undergone manual verification and cross-correlation with publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy academic sources.
While the ranking position is exclusively established through the D-index derived from OpenAlex, CrossRef, and additional databases regarded as some of the most prominent bibliometric repositories available to the research community, ancillary indicators such as the number of papers published in high-impact journals and prominent conference proceedings were also reviewed. These serve as valuable secondary signals of a scientist’s contribution to their specific research area, albeit without directly influencing ranking placement.
We encourage readers to visit our methodology page for a detailed overview of the processes and standards that underpin this ranking.
Research.com’s Mission and Commitment
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to engage with and recognize the trajectories of leading experts in their fields. The creation of this ranking provides an accessible and reliable resource for the global scientific community to identify top researchers in specific areas of study, across countries, and within academic institutions.
By meticulously compiling and validating this ranking, we aim to foster transparency, encourage excellence, and promote collaboration within the scientific community. Our commitment to rigorous standards and thorough verification underscores the credibility and utility of this ranking as a vital tool for understanding the landscape of scholarly achievement in Economics and Finance in Germany.