A scientist’s position in this ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined bibliometric indicator that considers only those publications and their citation metrics specific to the examined discipline — Environmental Sciences in this context. This allows for a focused assessment of a researcher’s influence within their specialized area, rather than their overall general scientific output.
Scope of Research and Criteria for Inclusion
An extensive pool of 279,971 scientist profiles was initially evaluated across all scientific disciplines using a variety of bibliometric data sources. From these, 2,000 researchers specialized in Environmental Sciences were identified for further analysis.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, candidates had to meet stringent criteria:
- A minimum D-index of 30 within the discipline of Environmental Sciences.
- A majority of their tier publications had to be focused on Environmental Sciences, ensuring domain relevance.
- Additional weight was accorded to recognized awards and achievements specifically within the Environmental Sciences field.
The threshold for the D-index is dynamically set in increments of 10 dependent on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, guaranteeing that the top 1% of leading experts are incorporated. Furthermore, a proximity filter ensures that the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and D-index does not exceed 30%, maintaining consistency in the scholar’s core area of expertise.
Verification and Validation Procedures
At Research.com, we recognize that raw bibliometric data, while invaluable, should never singularly dictate the evaluation of scholarly output. Accordingly, all scientist profiles included in the ranking undergo rigorous manual verification. This entails cross-referencing the data against a wide array of trustworthy publication sources and databases to confirm accuracy and authenticity.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence ranking positions, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s active contribution to their field.
The ranking position is fundamentally derived from verified D-index values computed using data sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and widely trusted bibliometric databases accessible to the research community today.
For detailed insights into the comprehensive methodology applied, we encourage readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Objectives
Our mission with the creation and ongoing refinement of the Research.com rankings is to motivate researchers, corporations, and policymakers globally to monitor where the leading experts in various scientific disciplines are advancing their work. By providing a transparent and credible identification of top researchers, we aim to foster connections within the global scientific community and offer institutions clear insight into leading academic talent in specific areas, geographic regions, or research organizations.
This ranking reflects a commitment to meticulous research and responsible analytics, designed to benefit scientists, academic representatives, and decision-makers alike.
