Data Sources and Bibliometric Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Immunology Scientists in Brazil Ranking was developed using comprehensive bibliometric data primarily sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, alongside multiple other reputable databases. These sources represent the most prominent and widely recognized repositories of scholarly publication and citation data available to the research community. All bibliometric data used to calculate the citation-based metrics for this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026.
The position of each scientist within the ranking is based on their D-index (Discipline H-index), which is a refined variation of the traditional H-index. The D-index accounts exclusively for papers and citation metrics related to the specific discipline under examination—in this case, Immunology—thereby providing a focused and discipline-relevant evaluation of a researcher’s impact.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
This ranking examined a total of 187,135 scientist profiles identified across a diverse array of bibliometric data sources spanning all scientific disciplines. Within the Immunology discipline specifically, 42 scientists met the initial data criteria. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, each scientist was required to have a D-index of at least 40, ensuring that only highly impactful researchers were considered. Moreover, a majority of each qualifying scientist’s top-tier publications had to be within the field of Immunology, underscoring their substantive engagement with the discipline.
In addition to bibliometric thresholds, scientists’ awards and notable achievements in Immunology were factored into the assessment process to capture broader contributions to the field. The D-index thresholds for top researchers are calibrated in increments of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline, with a design to guarantee that the top 1% of leading scholars are incorporated. Furthermore, to ensure alignment between general scholarly impact and discipline-specific expertise, there must be a proximity of 30% or less between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing the limitations of raw bibliometric data as absolute evaluative tools, the Research.com team conducted rigorous manual verification of all scientist profiles. This process involved cross-correlating data against publications indexed in a broad range of trustworthy sources to confirm accuracy and authenticity. Although the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s rank, it serves as a valuable secondary signal indicative of the scholar’s contribution to advancing research in Immunology.
The final ranking positions were established strictly according to each researcher’s D-index derived from OpenAlex and CrossRef data. These databases represent the gold standard in bibliometric analytics for their comprehensiveness and reliability. For those interested in a more detailed explanation of the methodology underlying this ranking, please visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
The fundamental mission of Research.com in creating this ranking is to inspire researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to closely observe and engage with the trajectories of leading scientific experts. By providing an accessible platform that identifies top researchers in specific disciplines, countries, and institutions, we aim to facilitate collaboration, inform strategic decisions, and elevate the visibility of scientific excellence. This ranking reflects Research.com’s commitment to advancing transparency and recognition within the global scientific ecosystem through meticulous and credible evaluation practices.
