Data Sources and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Plant Science and Agronomy Scientists in Costa Rica Ranking is primarily based on bibliometric data obtained from OpenAlex and CrossRef, supplemented by multiple other reputable data sources. The citation-based metrics used to establish the ranking were compiled on January 12, 2026. A scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric which considers only the papers and citations relevant to the examined discipline, ensuring an accurate reflection of impact within the specific field of Plant Science and Agronomy.
Scope of Research and Ranking Criteria
The ranking process involved an initial examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from an extensive array of bibliometric resources spanning all disciplines. Of these, 1,000 scientists specializing specifically in Plant Science and Agronomy were analyzed in depth. Qualification for inclusion in the ranking required a minimum D-index of 30, with the majority of a scientist’s tier publications aligned to the Plant Science and Agronomy field. Additionally, awards and notable achievements within the discipline were taken into consideration to enhance the robustness of the selection.
The D-index threshold for identifying top researchers is adaptively set in increments of 10, aligned with the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This approach ensures the inclusion of at least the top 1% of leading experts in the list. Furthermore, a maximum proximity difference of 30% between a scientist’s overall H-index and their discipline-specific D-index was maintained to ensure relevancy and focus on their contributions to Plant Science and Agronomy.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output, the Research.com team employed rigorous manual verification practices. Each scientist’s profile was carefully cross-checked against publications sourced from a wide range of trustworthy and authoritative outlets. Although the number of papers published in prestigious journals and conference proceedings does not directly affect ranking placement, it functions as an important secondary indicator of a researcher’s substantive contribution to their scientific field.
The ranking positions are formally established based on each researcher’s D-index derived from data sourced through OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and widely respected bibliometric databases accessible to the global research community. For further details on the complete methodology and verification approach, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
Research.com is dedicated to motivating researchers, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to closely observe the trajectories of leading experts in their respective fields. Our aim is to create a transparent platform that allows the global scientific community to identify and engage with top-tier specialists in specific areas of study — be it at the country level, within research institutions, or across various disciplines. By providing meticulously curated and credible rankings, we strive to foster collaboration, innovation, and informed decision-making that advance scientific progress universally.
