A scientist's position in the ranking is determined exclusively by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that considers only those papers and citation records directly related to the specific discipline under examination—in this case, Economics and Finance. This discipline-specific approach ensures that the ranking accurately reflects impact within the targeted research domain rather than overall scholarly influence.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
The construction of this ranking involved the evaluation of 279,971 scientist profiles aggregated from a diverse array of bibliometric databases, covering all scientific disciplines. Among these, 2,000 scientists specializing specifically in Economics and Finance were identified for detailed consideration.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a researcher was required to meet the following criteria:
- Possess a D-index of at least 30 within Economics and Finance.
- The majority of their tier publications must be situated within the area of Economics and Finance.
- Recognition of relevant awards and achievements in Economics and Finance was also factored into the vetting process.
The threshold for the D-index is dynamically set in increments of 10, tailored to the total estimated number of scholars in each discipline. This calibrated approach guarantees that approximately the top 1% of leading experts are included in the list. Additionally, the methodology requires that a scientist’s overall H-index and their Discipline H-index have a maximum proximity difference of 30% to ensure consistency and domain relevancy.
Verification and Validation Procedures
The researchers behind this ranking recognize that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure for evaluating scholarly output. Consequently, all scientist profiles incorporated in the ranking were subjected to meticulous manual verification. This process involved cross-correlating publication records against a broad spectrum of trustworthy academic sources to confirm accuracy and relevance.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not a direct factor influencing the position in the Research.com ranking, it remains a valuable secondary signal reflecting a scientist’s active contribution and leadership in their field.
The ranking position is established explicitly through each researcher’s D-index, grounded in data compiled from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and trusted bibliometric databases accessible to the global scientific community.
For a detailed explanation of the methodology underpinning this ranking, please consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to track emerging trends and directions pursued by leading experts. This ranking provides a transparent and reliable pathway for the entire scientific community to identify and engage with the foremost authorities in Economics and Finance across various countries and academic institutions.
Through rigorous data collection, careful validation, and a commitment to disciplinary precision, we aim to foster collaboration, informed decision-making, and strategic investment in science and research initiatives globally.
