A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a variant of the conventional H-index tailored specifically to the examined discipline. The D-index considers only papers and citation metrics directly related to Plant Science and Agronomy, thus providing a refined measure of research impact within the targeted field.
Scope of Research and Ranking Criteria
In developing this ranking, an aggregate of 279,971 scientist profiles from a wide range of bibliometric sources were examined across all disciplines. Of these, 57 scientists were identified within the domain of Plant Science and Agronomy. To qualify for inclusion in this ranking, researchers were required to meet a minimum D-index threshold of 30 and have the majority of their tier publications situated in Plant Science and Agronomy.
In addition to bibliometric thresholds, consideration was given to each scientist’s awards and recognized achievements within the field, contributing to a holistic appraisal of their scholarly prominence.
The D-index threshold is strategically set in increments of 10, tailored to the estimated total number of scholars within the discipline, ensuring the inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Furthermore, a candidate’s D-index must be within 30% or less of their general H-index, ensuring that their primary research contributions are aligned closely with Plant Science and Agronomy.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully capture the complexity of academic contributions, the Research.com team undertook meticulous manual verification of all scientist profiles. This process involved cross-correlating data against publications listed in a broad array of trustworthy sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
While the number of publications in prominent academic journals and conference proceedings does not influence the ranking position directly, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s active engagement and influence in their research area.
The ranking position is ultimately established based on each researcher’s D-index, derived from authoritative sources such as OpenAlex and CrossRef, which are widely recognized within the research community for their completeness and reliability.
For a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies employed, we encourage readers to 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 where leading experts are making core advancements. We provide an indispensable platform to identify and connect with top scholars in specific scientific domains, countries, and institutions. Through the careful and transparent creation of this ranking, we aim to foster recognition, collaboration, and informed decision-making within the global scientific community.
