Data Sources and Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Engineering and Technology Scientists in Korea Ranking has been developed using comprehensive bibliometric data primarily sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, complemented by multiple other reputable data repositories. The citation-based metrics which underpin the ranking were collected and finalized on January 12, 2026. Central to the ranking methodology is the D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that measures a researcher's impact strictly within the examined discipline by including only papers and citation counts relevant to that specific area of expertise.
Scope of Research and Eligibility Criteria
In developing this ranking, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles were analyzed from a variety of bibliometric data sources spanning all disciplines, with 260 scientists identified specifically under Engineering and Technology. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist’s D-index had to meet or exceed a threshold of 30. Additionally, the majority of their tier publications needed to be concentrated in the field of Engineering and Technology. Consideration was also given to awards and achievements within this domain to further validate expertise.
The D-index threshold for recognizing top researchers is dynamically set in increments of 10, proportional to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This approach ensures that the top 1% of leading researchers are consistently incorporated into the ranking across fields. A further constraint requires that the proximity between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index remain within 30%, ensuring alignment between overall and discipline-specific impact.
Verification and Methodology Transparency
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully capture the scholarly output or impact, all scientist profiles were subjected to careful manual verification. This process included cross-correlation against publications sourced from a broad spectrum of trustworthy academic journals and conference proceedings. While the number of papers published in prominent outlets does not directly influence a researcher’s position in the Research.com ranking, it provides an important secondary signal of the individual’s contribution to research within their discipline.
The ranking position is ultimately established based on the researcher’s D-index derived from current and reliable data aggregated from OpenAlex and CrossRef, which stand as the most prominent and widely recognized bibliometric databases accessible to the research community. For a detailed understanding of the methodologies and criteria involved, we invite readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to gain deeper insight into the trajectories of leading experts across diverse fields. We seek to provide the global scientific community with transparent and reliable information about who the foremost experts are in particular areas of study, in different countries, or even within specific research institutions. By doing so, we aim to foster collaboration, inform strategic decision-making, and elevate the visibility of outstanding scientific contributions.
