A scientist’s position within the ranking is determined exclusively by their D-index (Discipline H-index), which focuses only on publications and citation metrics relevant to the examined discipline, in this case, Plant Science and Agronomy. This metric ensures that the ranking reflects influence and productivity specifically within the field, rather than generalized research impact.
Scope and Criteria of the Ranking
To establish the scope of the ranking, an initial database of 279,971 scientist profiles was examined across all disciplines encompassed by the aggregated bibliometric sources. Among these, 3,000 scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were specifically identified and assessed.
In order to qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist was required to have a D-index of at least 30 with a majority of their tier publications (i.e., highly cited or impactful papers) situated within the Plant Science and Agronomy domain. Additionally, consideration was given to each researcher’s awards and significant achievements within the field, ensuring a holistic evaluation beyond bibliometric metrics alone.
The D-index threshold for selecting top researchers is dynamically set as increments of 10, adjusted according to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline while guaranteeing the inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Importantly, to ensure discipline-specific relevance, the difference between a scientist’s overall H-index and their corresponding D-index for Plant Science and Agronomy was maintained at 30% or less.
Verification and Validation Practices
The Research.com team recognizes that raw bibliometric data alone should never serve as an absolute measure of a scholar’s output or influence. To maintain the integrity and credibility of the ranking, all scientist profiles underwent thorough manual verification. Profiles were cross-correlated against publications and records in a wide variety of trustworthy sources to confirm accuracy.
While not a direct factor in computing the D-index or determining rank, the number of papers published in prominent journals and leading conference proceedings was also reviewed as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution to research in Plant Science and Agronomy. This multifaceted approach ensures a balanced and nuanced assessment.
The final position in the ranking is based on the D-index derived from data aggregated from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most comprehensive and authoritative bibliometric resources accessible to the global research community. For a detailed explanation of the methodology applied, we encourage readers to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, academic institutions, companies, and policymakers worldwide to investigate and understand the trajectories of leading experts. By providing a transparent, rigorously compiled ranking of top scientists in specific fields, countries, and institutions, we aim to foster greater awareness and collaboration across the scientific community.
Through meticulous and careful curation of data, qualitative validation, and transparent methodologies, we strive to present rankings that are trustworthy and meaningful. Ultimately, we seek to facilitate informed decision-making and promote excellence in research by highlighting the individuals who are driving innovation and discovery in Plant Science and Agronomy and beyond.
