The citation-based metrics utilized to determine the rankings were collected on January 12, 2026. A researcher's position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a metric that specifically accounts for papers and citations within the examined discipline—Economics and Finance in this case—thereby offering a focused measure of scholarly impact within the field.
Scope of Research and Eligibility Criteria
The ranking comprehensively examined 279,971 scientist profiles identified across a wide array of bibliometric data sources spanning all scientific disciplines. Within this broad dataset, 6 scientists specializing in Economics and Finance were closely evaluated. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist was required to have a D-index of at least 30, with the majority of their tier publications concentrated in Economics and Finance.
In addition to bibliometric thresholds, awards and notable achievements within the field were considered as supplementary factors in assessing a scientist's standing. The D-index threshold for recognizing top researchers is calibrated in increments of 10, relative to the estimated total number of scholars per discipline, ensuring that approximately the top 1% of leading experts are represented in the list. Furthermore, to maintain disciplinary focus, a strict proximity threshold was enforced whereby the difference between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index could not exceed 30%.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data, while robust, is not an absolute measure of scholarly output or quality, the Research.com team has implemented rigorous manual verification procedures. All scientist profiles included in the ranking underwent detailed cross-correlation against publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy scholarly sources to ensure accuracy and authenticity of records.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and high-impact conference proceedings is not a direct factor influencing the D-index ranking position, these publication counts serve as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contributions within Economics and Finance.
The final ranking positions were established solely on the basis of each researcher’s D-index, as calculated using data aggregated from OpenAlex and CrossRef. These databases represent the most extensive bibliometric resources available, lending credibility and transparency to the ranking process. For detailed information on the methodology employed, please visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, corporations, and policymakers globally to closely observe the trajectories of leading experts across disciplines. We strive to provide the scientific community with a reliable and accessible platform to identify and recognize the foremost authorities in specific fields of study, within countries, and across research institutions.
Through meticulous data collection, verification, and analysis, this ranking not only highlights excellence in Economics and Finance in Nigeria but also serves as a beacon for fostering collaboration, resource allocation, and informed decision-making in science policy and academic leadership.
