The bibliometric data utilized for devising the citation-based metrics underpinning this ranking were collected as of January 12, 2026. This ensures that the metrics reflect the most current and comprehensive scholarly outputs and citations available at the time of evaluation. The position of each scientist within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a metric adapted specifically to include only the papers and citations pertinent to the examined discipline of Plant Science and Agronomy, thereby providing a precise reflection of disciplinary impact.
Scope of Research Considered
This edition of the ranking examined a total of 279,971 scientist profiles curated from a range of bibliometric sources spanning all scientific disciplines. Within this broad universe, 70 scientists specifically engaged in Plant Science and Agronomy were identified for detailed assessment.
To qualify for inclusion, candidates were required to have a D-index of at least 30. Moreover, a majority of a scientist’s tier publications—those considered high-impact within their area—had to be focused on Plant Science and Agronomy. Awards and notable achievements within the field were also factored into the consideration process to ensure recognition of scholarly contributions beyond citation metrics alone.
The threshold for the D-index is set dynamically, increasing in increments of 10 according to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This approach guarantees that the ranking captures the top 1% of leading researchers in the field. To maintain methodological rigor, the proximity between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index was capped at a difference of 30% or less, reinforcing a strong alignment between their overall and field-specific research impact.
Verification and Validation Practices
At Research.com, we recognize that raw bibliometric data are not absolute measures of a scholar’s quality or impact. In acknowledgment of this, all scientist profiles included in the ranking underwent manual verification procedures. This involved cross-referencing biographical and publication information against a diverse array of trustworthy sources to ensure accuracy and validity.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s ranking position, this metric provides valuable supplementary insight into the researcher’s contribution and visibility within the scientific community.
The final position in the ranking is determined strictly by each scientist’s D-index as calculated from information gathered primarily from OpenAlex and CrossRef. These data sources represent the most current, reliable, and widely used bibliometric databases accessible to researchers worldwide.
For a detailed explanation of the methodology and processes involved in producing this ranking, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
Our mission in publishing this ranking is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers globally to closely monitor the trajectories and contributions of leading experts in specific scientific domains. By providing a transparent, data-driven, and meticulously verified representation of excellence, we aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of who the foremost contributors are within Plant Science and Agronomy across Switzerland—whether at the country level, within institutions, or across specialized disciplines.
Ultimately, this ranking serves as a resource for the entire scientific community, enabling more informed collaborations, strategic decision-making, and appreciation of the impact that top researchers have on advancing knowledge and innovation in their fields.
