Data Sources and Bibliometric Collection
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Plant Science and Agronomy Scientists in Burkina Faso Ranking is primarily based on bibliometric data aggregated from authoritative databases such as OpenAlex and CrossRef, alongside multiple other complementary data sources. The comprehensive collection of citation-based metrics underlying this ranking was conducted on January 12, 2026. The positioning of each scientist in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a robust metric that includes only papers and citation metrics pertinent to the specific discipline of Plant Science and Agronomy. This focused approach allows for a precise evaluation of each researcher’s impact within their specialized field.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking process involved the examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a variety of bibliometric sources spanning all disciplines. Of these, 1, scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were specifically analyzed for inclusion. To qualify for this ranking, a scientist’s D-index had to meet a minimum threshold of 30, ensuring that only those with significant disciplinary impact were considered. Additionally, a majority of the candidate’s tier publications needed to be directly related to Plant Science and Agronomy, confirming their primary engagement in the field. Recognition of awards and other distinguished achievements in Plant Science and Agronomy further informed the assessment criteria.
The D-index threshold for top researchers is calibrated in increments of 10, corresponding to the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline. This methodology guarantees the inclusion of the top 1% of leading scientists in the ranking. An important integrity check is applied whereby the proximity between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index must not exceed 30%, ensuring disciplinary focus while maintaining relevance to broader scholarly performance.
Additional Verification Practices
Understanding the limitations of raw bibliometric data, the Research.com team undertook extensive manual verification of researcher profiles. Each profile was cross-correlated against publications in a wide range of trustworthy and peer-recognized sources to ensure accuracy and consistency. Although the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of their scholarly contribution within their specific research domain.
The ranking positions themselves are established exclusively using each researcher’s D-index calculated from data retrieved from OpenAlex and CrossRef, the most prominent and reputable bibliometric repositories accessible to the global research community. For a more detailed breakdown of the methodology utilized in generating this ranking, interested readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Agenda and Mission
Research.com is committed to fostering transparency and recognition in the scientific community worldwide. Our mission is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers across the globe to engage with emerging trends by highlighting where leading experts in various disciplines, countries, and research institutions are focusing their efforts. By providing a trusted pathway to identify top scientists in specific areas of study, we strive to support informed decision-making, collaborative opportunities, and the advancement of research excellence in Plant Science and Agronomy and beyond.
