A researcher’s position within the ranking is determined based on their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that includes only papers and citation metrics pertinent to the examined discipline—in this case, Economics and Finance. The D-index effectively measures impact within a specific field rather than general scholarly output, enabling a focused and relevant assessment of expertise and influence.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
The ranking is derived from a broad examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified across various bibliometric databases covering all academic disciplines. Within this extensive pool, researchers active in Economics and Finance were singled out—specifically identifying 7 leading scientists in this domain in Nigeria.
To qualify for inclusion, scientists were required to meet a minimum D-index threshold of 30, ensuring a high standard of discipline-specific scholarly impact. Additionally, a majority of a qualifying scientist’s tier publications needed to be situated within Economics and Finance. Beyond bibliometrics, awards and professional achievements in the field were also taken into account to acknowledge outstanding contributions.
The threshold for the D-index is calibrated as an increment of 10, adjusted according to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This approach guarantees that the top 1% of leading scholars are captured in the ranking. Furthermore, a proximity criterion was enforced to maintain consistency between general impact and discipline-specific impact, requiring the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index to be 30% or less.
Verification and Validation Processes
The Research.com team is acutely aware that raw bibliometric data alone does not provide an absolute measure of scholarly output or influence. To uphold the highest standards of accuracy and credibility, all scientist profiles included in the ranking underwent thorough manual verification. This verification process involved cross-referencing publications across a broad spectrum of trustworthy academic sources, ensuring validity and preventing misattribution or data errors.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings was not used as a direct factor in determining a researcher’s rank, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of scientific contribution. This complementary information further enriches the evaluation and is indicative of a scientist’s visibility and impact in the academic community.
The final ranking positions are established using each researcher’s D-index based on data gathered primarily from OpenAlex and CrossRef, the most prominent bibliometric databases of their kind. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the complex methodology and data triangulation involved, we encourage reviewing our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to gain insightful perspectives on where leading experts are directing their efforts. We provide a transparent and rigorous framework that enables the global scientific community to identify top-tier researchers across specific fields of study, countries, and academic institutions.
By carefully curating and rigorously validating this ranking, we aim to foster collaboration, recognition, and informed decision-making within academia and beyond. This serves not only to celebrate outstanding scholarly achievements but also to guide strategic investments in research and development for enhanced scientific progress.
