The bibliometric data used to devise the citation-based metrics for this ranking were collected on 2026-01-12, ensuring that the results represent an up-to-date assessment of scientific output. A researcher’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined bibliometric measure that includes only the papers and citation data relevant to the examined discipline, in this case, Materials Science. This discipline-specific focus allows for a finer-grained evaluation of expertise and impact relative to a researcher’s primary field.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
The ranking framework is built upon an exhaustive examination of 279,971 scientist profiles that have been identified across diverse bibliometric databases spanning all academic disciplines. Specifically, within the Materials Science domain, a subset of 20 researchers from Slovenia were evaluated.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist must exhibit a D-index of at least 40. Additionally, the majority of their tier publications must fall within the area of Materials Science, reinforcing the focus on disciplinary relevance. Consideration was also given to awards and other notable achievements within the field.
The threshold for the D-index used to flag top researchers varies incrementally by 10 points depending on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, a calibrated approach designed to ensure that the top 1% of leading scholars are included in the list. Moreover, to maintain assessment consistency, there must be a proximity of no more than 30% between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index, emphasizing domain-specific excellence alongside overall academic productivity.
Additional Verification Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output, the research team has incorporated rigorous manual verification steps into the ranking process. Each scientist’s profile was carefully reviewed and cross-correlated against their publications across a broad spectrum of trustworthy sources to ensure validity and accuracy.
While not directly influencing a researcher’s rank within Research.com, the quantity of published papers in prominent journals and conference proceedings is acknowledged as a valuable secondary indicator of scientific contribution. The ranking positions themselves are established exclusively using the D-index derived from data consolidated from OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and respected bibliometric databases accessible to the global research community.
For those interested in a more detailed exposition of the methodology, the full approach is openly documented on our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to closely observe the trajectories of leading experts. By providing a transparent and meticulously curated ranking of preeminent scientists, we enable the global scientific community to readily identify who the foremost authorities are in specific fields, across different countries, and within research institutions.
This initiative not only fosters greater connectivity between stakeholders in science but also supports informed decisions in research investment, collaboration, and policy formulation. The careful and comprehensive approach ingrained in the creation of this ranking underscores our commitment to serving the academic community with credible and actionable insights.
