A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined based on their D-index (Discipline H-index), a metric that evaluates scholarly output and citation impact solely within the specific discipline under examination—Materials Science in this case. This approach ensures that rankings reflect researchers’ contributions specifically to the field rather than overall academic output.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
For the compilation of this ranking, 279,971 scientist profiles were analyzed across all scientific disciplines using a wide range of bibliometric data sources. Within Materials Science, 10 leading scientists in Qatar were identified for special consideration.
To qualify for inclusion, a scientist must have a D-index of at least 40, ensuring a high level of discipline-specific scholarly impact. Additionally, a majority of their top-tier publications must be centered on Materials Science. Consideration was also given to the scientist’s awards and achievements within the Materials Science domain.
The threshold for the D-index varies by discipline, incremented by 10 points according to the estimated total number of researchers in the field, safeguarding that the very top 1% of scholars are captured in the ranking. Furthermore, to confirm disciplinary focus, a researcher’s general H-index and D-index must be within 30% of each other, limiting distortion from cross-disciplinary activities.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
The team behind this ranking is cognizant that bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of research quality or impact. Accordingly, all profiles included were manually verified and cross-checked against publications listed in a wide range of trustworthy scientific sources.
While the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not influence ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a researcher’s contribution to the field of Materials Science.
The ranking positions themselves are calculated using each researcher’s D-index based on data from OpenAlex and CrossRef, the two most prominent and widely respected bibliometric databases accessible by the research community today. For a detailed overview of the data collection and ranking methodology, please refer to our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to observe emerging leadership trends within the scientific community. We aim to provide a trusted resource for showcasing who the leading experts are in specific areas of study—whether by country, discipline, or institutional affiliation.
By carefully curating and validating this ranking through meticulous research and data analysis, we strive to build credibility and foster informed decision-making across academia, industry, and government, facilitating collaborations and advancing science globally.
