The bibliometric data used to devise the citation-based metrics for the ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. A key metric underpinning the ranking is the D-index (Discipline H-index), which measures a researcher’s impact specifically within the examined discipline. Unlike a general H-index, the D-index filters publications and citations to include only those relevant to Economics and Finance, providing a more precise evaluation of disciplinary contributions.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
The ranking process examined 279,971 scientist profiles identified from diverse bibliometric sources across all fields of study. Out of these, 2,000 scientists recognized for their work in Economics and Finance were specifically evaluated. To qualify for inclusion, a scientist’s D-index needed to be at least 30, ensuring that only researchers with substantial disciplinary impact are featured.
Additionally, a majority of each qualifying scientist’s tier publications must be rooted in Economics and Finance. Consideration was also given to scientists’ awards and achievements within the discipline, providing a well-rounded perspective on scholarly excellence.
The threshold for D-index varies by discipline, increasing in increments of 10 relative to the estimated total number of scholars in the field. This approach guarantees that the ranking consistently reflects the top 1% of leading researchers. An important selection criterion maintains that the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index should not exceed 30%, ensuring their predominant influence is indeed within the discipline.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
We recognize that raw bibliometric data alone is insufficient to definitively evaluate the quality and impact of scientific output. Therefore, each scientist’s profile was subjected to manual verification and cross-correlation against publications indexed in a broad spectrum of trustworthy and authoritative sources.
While the number of publications in high-impact journals and conference proceedings does not directly affect a researcher’s ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of their contribution to the field.
The position in the ranking is ultimately determined through the D-index, calculated with data aggregated from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and widely trusted bibliometric databases accessible to the global research community.
For comprehensive details on the methodology employed, we encourage readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to track and understand the evolving landscape of scientific expertise. By identifying and showcasing leading scholars in specific disciplines, countries, and institutions, we aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster collaboration.
This ranking is part of our commitment to provide the scientific community with transparent, credible, and meticulously curated insights into who the foremost experts are in Economics and Finance within Iran. Through this, we support the advancement of science by connecting stakeholders with proven leaders driving innovation and thought leadership.
