Bibliometric data for devising citation-based metrics were collected on January 12, 2026. The ranking methodology centers on the D-index (Discipline H-index), an adaptation of the traditional H-index that includes only publications and citations within the specific discipline of Economics and Finance, thereby offering a focused and discipline-relevant measure of research impact. A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined exclusively by their D-index within this examined discipline.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking process began with the examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a diverse set of bibliometric data sources, covering all scientific disciplines. Among these, 1, the number of scientists actively contributing to the field of Economics and Finance, were analyzed in detail to identify top performers within this domain.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a researcher’s D-index had to be at least 30, ensuring a high standard of scholarly output. Additionally, a majority of a scientist’s tier publications needed to be classified within the field of Economics and Finance. Beyond bibliometric thresholds, the evaluation also considered awards and notable achievements specific to Economics and Finance, thus incorporating qualitative indicators of research excellence.
The D-index threshold for considering top researchers is adapted in increments of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline. This calibration guarantees representation of the top 1% of leading experts while maintaining discipline-specific rigor. Furthermore, to ensure alignment between general and discipline-specific impact, a maximal proximity difference of 30% was enforced between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index.
Verification Practices and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data should never serve as the sole criterion to evaluate scholarly output, Research.com implemented rigorous verification protocols throughout the ranking process. Each scientist profile was manually verified and cross-correlated against publications listed in a wide range of trustworthy and authoritative sources to confirm accuracy and authenticity.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the D-index or a researcher’s position within this ranking, it remains a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution to their field.
The ranking is fundamentally based on each researcher’s D-index derived from citation and publication information aggregated from OpenAlex and CrossRef. By relying on these comprehensive bibliometric platforms, we ensure that the ranking reflects a well-substantiated measure of scholarly impact.
For detailed information on the methodology underpinning this and other Research.com rankings, please refer to our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, academic institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to monitor and understand the trajectories of leading experts. By revealing the identities of top-performing scientists in specific disciplines, countries, and institutions, we provide a transparent, data-driven platform to recognize scientific excellence.
We aim to foster informed collaboration and strategic decision-making by illuminating where frontiers of research are advancing and who is driving these innovations. The meticulous and comprehensive approach underlying this ranking exemplifies our commitment to supporting a global scientific enterprise built on trust, rigor, and recognition.
