The bibliometric data used for crafting the citation-based metrics that underpin this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. The ranking of each scientist is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric that accounts exclusively for papers and citations within the examined discipline of Immunology. This approach enables an accurate reflection of research impact that is relevant specifically to the field.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
A total of 187,135 scientist profiles, identified across various bibliometric databases and disciplines, were examined as part of the foundational dataset. Within this broad range, 18 scientists specializing in Immunology were specifically evaluated for inclusion in the ranking.
To qualify for inclusion, a researcher was required to have a D-index of at least 40, ensuring recognition of a significant impact within Immunology. Further, a majority of the researcher’s tier publications were required to fall within the Immunology domain. In addition to bibliometric measures, factors such as awards and notable achievements within the field of Immunology were also taken into account to present a holistic assessment of each scientist’s stature.
The threshold for the D-index is adapted in increments of 10, aligned to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, while maintaining the integrity of including the top 1% of leading experts. Additionally, to ensure relevance and specificity to the discipline, a proximity criterion requires that the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index should not exceed 30%.
Additional Verification and Quality Assurance
At Research.com, we recognize that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully encapsulate the diverse contributions of scholars. Accordingly, every scientist profile included in the ranking was manually verified by our research team and cross-correlated against publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy and authoritative sources.
Although not quantitatively incorporated into the ranking, the number of papers published in prominent journals and highly regarded conference proceedings serves as an important secondary indicator of a researcher’s scientific contributions within Immunology. The primary ranking position, however, is solely determined by the D-index calculated from data aggregated via OpenAlex and CrossRef.
For an in-depth understanding of the methodology and comprehensive details on data collection and verification processes, readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
The Research.com Mission
The creation of this ranking aligns with Research.com’s broader mission: to motivate researchers, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to explore and understand where leading expertise is concentrated and advancing. By providing transparent, carefully crafted rankings, we facilitate the global scientific community’s ability to identify the foremost specialists in specific fields, across countries, and even within individual research institutions. This transparency promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and informed decision-making in both academic and applied scientific contexts.
