Importantly, all bibliometric data utilized to derive citation-based metrics for this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. The core metric underpinning a scientist’s position in the ranking is the D-index (Discipline H-index), which focuses exclusively on citation data and publications pertinent to the specified discipline—in this case, Economics and Finance. This ensures that the ranking accurately reflects scholarly impact within the examined field rather than overall research activity.
Scope and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking’s scope encompasses an extensive dataset derived from 279,971 scientist profiles spanning all disciplines and includes focused examination of 2,000 scientists identified specifically within the fields of Economics and Finance. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist must have a D-index of at least 30, and the majority of their publications considered must be classified under Economics and Finance.
In addition to bibliometric performance, scientists’ awards and recognized achievements within the discipline were considered as supplementary indicators of scholarly contribution. The threshold for D-index qualification is adapted incrementally by 10 points based on the estimated total number of scholars in the discipline, thereby ensuring the inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts.
Moreover, to maintain disciplinary relevance and consistency, a maximum proximity of 30% between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index is required. This constraint guarantees that the ranking reflects focused expertise rather than broad, unfocused research output.
Verification and Methodology Transparency
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of research quality, the Research.com team has implemented meticulous manual verification protocols. Each scientist’s profile was carefully cross-referenced with publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy academic sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s ranking position, it remains a valuable secondary indicator of scientific contribution in a given field.
The final ranking position is established solely on the basis of the D-index, utilizing data consolidated from OpenAlex and CrossRef, which are regarded as the most comprehensive and reputable bibliometric databases available to the global research community.
For detailed information on the methodology behind this ranking and its underlying metrics, please visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, academic institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders globally to closely monitor the trajectories of leading experts in their respective fields. By providing a rigorously curated and transparent ranking system, we offer the scientific community a reliable resource to identify top researchers across diverse disciplines, countries, and institutions. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, elevate standards of excellence, and support informed decision-making across all aspects of scientific endeavor.
