A researcher’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric that includes only publications and citations pertinent to the examined discipline—in this case, Neuroscience. This approach allows for a focused evaluation of scholarly impact within the specific research domain.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking process involved the examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a variety of bibliometric data sources encompassing all scientific disciplines. Among these, 1,012 scientists were specifically identified within the Neuroscience discipline. To qualify for inclusion in the Neuroscience ranking, a scientist’s D-index had to be at least 30, and a majority of their tier publications were required to be concentrated in Neuroscience.
In addition to bibliometric criteria, scientists’ awards and achievements within the field of Neuroscience were also taken into account as secondary factors to complement citation-based measures. The D-index threshold for consideration adjusts in increments of 10 relative to the total estimated number of scholars in each discipline, while ensuring that the top 1% of leading scholars are incorporated into the list. Furthermore, there is a requirement that the difference between a scientist's general H-index and their D-index remains within approximately 30% to maintain consistency in disciplinary focus.
Verification Practices and Reliability
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone is insufficient to fully evaluate a researcher’s output, the team behind this ranking undertook extensive manual verification of all scientist profiles. Each profile was cross-correlated against publications documented in a wide range of trustworthy academic sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Although the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the numeric ranking position, it offers an important secondary indicator of a scientist’s scholarly contributions within Neuroscience.
Ultimately, the position assigned to each researcher in this ranking is established using their D-index based on data collected from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and well-established bibliometric databases accessible to the global research community.
For a detailed understanding of the methodology employed, readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Purpose
The core mission driving the creation of this ranking is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to carefully examine the trajectories of leading experts in their respective fields. By providing a transparent and meticulously curated listing of top scientists, Research.com aims to facilitate the broader scientific community's awareness of who the foremost thought leaders are in specific disciplines, countries, and research institutions.
Through this endeavor, Research.com strives to promote informed collaboration, foster excellence, and support strategic decision-making that advances scientific innovation globally.
