All bibliometric data utilized to derive citation-based metrics for this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. The ranking position of each scientist is determined by their Discipline H-index, known as the D-index. Unlike a traditional H-index, the D-index is discipline-specific and includes only papers and corresponding citation metrics that pertain strictly to the examined field—in this case, Environmental Sciences.
Scope of Research and Eligibility Criteria
To construct this ranking, 279,971 scientist profiles identified across a broad array of bibliometric datasets spanning all academic disciplines were thoroughly examined. Within this extensive dataset, a focused cohort of researchers associated with Environmental Sciences was methodically analyzed.
A scientist qualifies for inclusion in this ranking by meeting several rigorous criteria. Primarily, the researcher must have a D-index of at least 30, reflecting a significant impact within the Environmental Sciences discipline. Furthermore, the majority of their tier publications—namely those in highly regarded journals and conference venues—must fall within the Environmental Sciences domain. Awards and notable achievements relevant to Environmental Sciences were also carefully considered as supplementary factors influencing qualification.
The threshold for D-index consideration is deliberately set as increments of 10, calibrated against the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline. This approach ensures that approximately the top 1% of leading scholars are included in the list, while maintaining a proximity of 30% or less between a scientist’s overall H-index and their discipline-specific D-index. This criterion ensures both disciplinary depth and consistency in overall research impact.
Additional Verification Practices
At Research.com, we recognize that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output or impact. To this end, all scientist profiles included in the ranking underwent detailed manual verification. This process involved cross-correlating publication records against a wide range of trustworthy sources to ensure accuracy and completeness.
While the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly affect a researcher’s ranking position, it serves as an invaluable secondary indicator of their contribution to the specific field of Environmental Sciences.
The final ranking positions are established using each researcher's D-index, as derived from the integrated information obtained from OpenAlex, CrossRef, and associated bibliometric databases. These sources represent the most comprehensive and reliable repositories currently accessible to the scientific community.
For a detailed overview of the methodologies and verification processes involved in constructing this ranking, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
Research.com is committed to fostering a global environment where researchers, corporations, and policymakers can readily identify and understand where the forefront of scientific expertise lies. Our mission is to motivate all stakeholders within the scientific ecosystem to engage deeply with the direction and development led by top experts across disciplines and geographic regions.
By providing transparent, credible, and meticulously curated rankings such as this, we empower the research community and institutions worldwide to recognize and connect with leading scholars in specific areas of study, including Environmental Sciences within Costa Rica and beyond.
