A scientist's position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), which selectively incorporates only the papers and citations relevant to the specific discipline of Economics and Finance. This approach ensures that the ranking reflects experts whose scholarly contributions are closely aligned with the evaluated field.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking methodology began with an examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified across various bibliometric sources spanning all academic disciplines. Within this broad dataset, 2,000 scientists specializing in Economics and Finance were specifically analyzed.
To qualify for inclusion in the Economics and Finance ranking, a scientist was required to have a D-index of at least 30. Additionally, a majority of their tier publications had to be in the Economics and Finance domain. Beyond bibliometric measures, the researchers’ awards and notable achievements in the field were also considered to enrich the evaluation.
The threshold for the D-index is dynamically set in increments of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This tiered approach ensures the inclusion of the top 1% of leading researchers in the field. Moreover, to maintain consistency and domain relevance, the proximity between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index was controlled to be 30% or less.
Additional Verification and Methodological Rigor
While bibliometric data form the backbone of the ranking, the Research.com team acknowledges that raw data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output. Therefore, all scientist profiles were subjected to meticulous manual verification and cross-correlation with publications indexed in a broad range of trustworthy sources. This rigorous vetting further strengthens the integrity and reliability of the ranking outcomes.
Although not a direct factor influencing the ranking position, the number of papers published in prominent journals and recognized conference proceedings is regarded as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist's contribution to the Economics and Finance field.
The ranking positions are established based exclusively on each researcher’s D-index as derived from data curated by OpenAlex and CrossRef, two of the most prominent and widely respected bibliometric databases available to the global research community.
For a comprehensive understanding of the methodology applied, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com Agenda and Vision
The primary mission behind creating this ranking is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the directions taken by leading experts in their respective fields. By offering a transparent and methodologically sound tool, Research.com enables the global scientific community to discover who the foremost specialists are in specific areas of study, across countries, and within individual institutions.
Through this initiative, Research.com seeks to foster collaboration, recognition, and informed decision-making, ultimately advancing knowledge and innovation within the Economics and Finance disciplines and beyond.
