A scientist’s position in this ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric that considers only the publications and citations within the scientist's examined discipline—Economics and Finance in this case. This approach ensures that the ranking reflects scholarly impact specifically tailored to the relevant field, rather than a general measure of productivity.
Scope of Research Considered
Our comprehensive evaluation began by examining a total of 279,971 scientist profiles identified across a broad spectrum of bibliometric data sources spanning all disciplines. Within this expansive set, 7,000 scientists specializing in Economics and Finance were specifically analyzed. To qualify for inclusion in this ranking, a scientist must have a minimum D-index of 30 with a majority of their tier publications focused on Economics and Finance.
In addition to publication metrics, we also incorporated awards and significant achievements within the Economics and Finance fields as part of the evaluation criteria. The D-index threshold is adjusted in increments of 10 relative to the estimated total number of scholars per discipline; this method ensures inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts while maintaining a consistent standard of excellence across all fields.
We further applied a rigorous standard requiring that the discrepancy between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index remains within 30%, promoting coherence between overall productivity and discipline-specific impact.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on raw bibliometric data, the Research.com team undertook meticulous manual verification of each scientist’s profile. This process involved cross-correlating publication records with a broad array of trustworthy academic databases and trusted sources to confirm accuracy and completeness.
Although the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not factor directly into the ranking position, these quantitative indicators serve as valuable secondary signals of a scientist’s contribution and reputation within their specific area of research.
Ultimately, rankings are established based on the D-index calculated from data sourced primarily from OpenAlex and CrossRef. These platforms’ extensive and transparent bibliometric data allow for a credible and reproducible evaluation of scientific impact. For further details on the precise methodology utilized, we encourage readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, academic institutions, companies, and policymakers worldwide to closely monitor the trajectories and contributions of leading experts in their respective fields. By providing a reliable and transparent platform for identifying top scientists, we aim to facilitate collaboration, recognition, and informed decision-making across the global scientific community.
Through this ranking initiative, we seek to empower stakeholders with the knowledge needed to assess where expertise is concentrated and evolving. Ultimately, Research.com strives to help shape an ecosystem where scientific excellence is both celebrated and strategically supported across countries and institutions.
