A key metric used to determine a scientist’s position in the ranking is the D-index (Discipline H-index). Unlike the traditional H-index, the D-index specifically accounts for a researcher's output and citations within the examined discipline, in this case, Plant Science and Agronomy. This discipline-specific focus ensures that the ranking reflects impact and contributions strictly within the relevant scientific domain.
Scope and Selection Criteria
The ranking was developed by analyzing a comprehensive dataset consisting of 279,971 scientist profiles compiled from various bibliometric sources across all academic disciplines. Specifically, 373 scientists within the field of Plant Science and Agronomy were examined.
To qualify for inclusion in this ranking, a scientist’s D-index must be at least 30, ensuring that only scholars with significant disciplinary impact are considered. Additionally, the majority of a qualifying researcher’s tier publications needed to be within Plant Science and Agronomy. Awards and notable achievements in the field were also evaluated as complementary factors.
The D-index threshold is set as an increment of 10 relative to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, with the explicit intent to incorporate the top 1% of leading experts rigorously. Furthermore, there is an established proximity rule whereby the difference between a scientist's general H-index and their D-index should not exceed 30%, thereby validating alignment of their broader scholarly impact with their disciplinary contributions.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully capture the multifaceted nature of scientific output, the Research.com team applies meticulous manual verification for all scientist profiles included in the ranking. Each profile was cross-correlated against publications indexed in a diverse array of trustworthy sources to authenticate the accuracy of publication records and disciplinary alignment.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the ranking position, it is considered a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s research contributions in Plant Science and Agronomy.
The final ranking position is anchored in each researcher’s D-index derived from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and widely trusted bibliometric databases accessible to the research community. For a more detailed explanation of the methodology, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
Research.com’s core mission in creating this ranking is to inspire researchers, policy makers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders worldwide to engage with and understand the trajectories of leading experts in specific scientific disciplines. By providing a transparent, rigorous, and trusted platform to identify top scientists at national and institutional levels, we aim to facilitate collaboration, informed decision-making, and the strategic advancement of science.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of accuracy and fairness throughout the ranking process, ensuring it serves as a credible resource for the global scientific community.
