Data Sources and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Materials Science Scientists in Croatia Ranking is based on comprehensive bibliometric data primarily sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, supplemented by multiple additional data repositories to ensure robustness and accuracy. The citation-based metrics utilized in this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. Each scientist’s position in the ranking is determined through their D-index (Discipline H-index), a precise metric that reflects a researcher's impact strictly within the Materials Science discipline by including only relevant papers and citations.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
In total, 279,971 scientist profiles across all disciplines were examined using a combination of bibliometric data sources, with 1,023 scientists specifically identified within the field of Materials Science. To qualify for inclusion in this ranking, a scientist must have achieved a minimum D-index of 40, and a majority of their tier publications had to be within the Materials Science domain. Moreover, a scientist’s awards and achievements pertinent to Materials Science were also considered as supporting evidence of their standing in the field.
The threshold for the D-index is calibrated dynamically, set as increments of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline. This approach ensures that the ranking captures the top 1% of leading researchers within Materials Science. Additionally, a proximity criterion mandates that the difference between a scientist's overall H-index and their D-index does not exceed 30%, assuring a focused and discipline-specific assessment.
Verification Practices and Data Integrity
Understanding the limitations of raw bibliometric data, the research team has undertaken meticulous manual verification of all scientist profiles. Each profile has been cross-correlated against publications listed in a broad array of trustworthy sources to verify accuracy and authenticity. While the number of papers published in leading journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a scientist’s position in the Research.com ranking, such metrics serve as valuable secondary indicators of their contribution to Materials Science research.
The final ranking positions are established strictly by each researcher’s D-index, calculated from data obtained from OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and trusted bibliometric databases accessible to the global research community. For a comprehensive understanding of the ranking methodology, please visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to explore the trajectories of leading experts across scientific disciplines. By providing transparent and rigorously verified rankings, we aim to connect the global scientific community with the foremost innovators in specific areas of study, whether by country, research institution, or domain. This facilitates informed decision-making, collaborative opportunities, and better recognition of excellence in research.
