The bibliometric data utilized for calculating citation-based metrics were collected on January 12, 2026. The core determinant of a scientist's position within this ranking is the D-index (Discipline H-index), which evaluates a researcher’s productivity and citation impact within a specific discipline by considering only the publications and citations that fall under the examined domain of Economics and Finance.
Scope of the Research
This ranking encompasses an extensive examination of 279,971 scientist profiles aggregated from various bibliometric databases, spanning all academic disciplines. Within this vast dataset, a focused subset of 10,000 scientists specializing specifically in Economics and Finance was identified for evaluation.
To qualify for inclusion, a scientist’s D-index needed to meet a minimum threshold of 30, ensuring that only scholars with substantial contributions in Economics and Finance were considered. Furthermore, a majority of their tier publications had to be explicitly within Economics and Finance. The evaluation also took into account notable awards and achievements recognized within the field.
The threshold for D-index qualification increases in increments of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This approach guarantees that the top 1% of leading experts in the field are comprehensively incorporated into the ranking. To ensure discipline-specific relevance, there is a stipulated proximity requirement where the D-index is within 30% or less of the scientist’s general H-index, confirming the scholar’s primary engagement in Economics and Finance research.
Additional Verification Practices
The Research.com team acknowledges that raw bibliometric data cannot serve as an absolute measure of a scholar’s impact or research quality. Accordingly, all scientist profiles have undergone thorough manual verification. This process includes cross-referencing publication records across an array of trustworthy sources to validate accuracy and relevance.
While not directly influencing ranking positions, the number of papers published in prestigious journals and conference proceedings remains a valuable secondary indicator of a researcher’s contribution to the field. Each scientist’s position in the ranking is ultimately determined through their D-index, derived from bibliometric information curated from OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and widely recognized databases available to the global research community.
For a detailed understanding of the criteria and methodology employed, we encourage readers to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
Research.com is committed to fostering a global culture of transparency, recognition, and collaboration in scientific research. Our mission is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to closely monitor the trajectories and contributions of leading experts. By providing a reliable, data-driven platform, we enable the scientific community to identify and connect with top researchers within specific disciplines, countries, or institutions.
This ranking is the product of meticulous and careful analysis, designed to provide actionable insights and uphold integrity, serving as a trusted reference for academics, research administrators, and institutional representatives dedicated to excellence in Economics and Finance research.
