The bibliometric data employed to derive citation-based metrics for the ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a metric designed to specifically capture scholarly influence within an examined discipline by including only those publications and citation counts relevant to Plant Science and Agronomy.
Scope and Criteria of the Ranking
In constructing the ranking, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a variety of bibliometric data sources across all disciplines were assessed. From this expansive dataset, 45 scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were specifically evaluated.
To qualify for inclusion in this ranking, candidates were required to have a D-index of at least 30, ensuring a baseline of impactful research within Plant Science and Agronomy. Additionally, the majority of their tier publications needed to reside within this specific research domain. The evaluation also factored in significant awards and achievements pertinent to the Plant Science and Agronomy community.
The D-index threshold for considering top researchers is strategically set in increments of 10, based on the estimated total number of scholars per discipline, while guaranteeing the inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Furthermore, a proximity criterion mandates that the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index does not exceed 30%, reinforcing disciplinary specificity and prominence.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
The researchers behind this ranking recognize that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute tool to evaluate scholarly contribution. As such, all scientist profiles underwent meticulous manual verification, cross-correlating records against publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy and peer-recognized sources.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher's ranking position, it is nonetheless regarded as a valuable secondary indicator of an individual’s contribution to the advancement of Plant Science and Agronomy.
The final ranking is anchored on each researcher’s D-index, calculated using integrated data from OpenAlex and CrossRef—the most prominent and widely respected bibliometric databases accessible to the research community. Readers seeking further details regarding the methodology are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, academic institutions, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to deepen their understanding of where leading scientific expertise is concentrated and evolving. This ranking offers the global scientific community a transparent and reliable way to identify leading experts in Plant Science and Agronomy across countries and institutions.
Through this careful and meticulous work, we aim to facilitate informed decision-making in research collaboration, funding allocation, and policy development—ultimately advancing the impact and visibility of scientific excellence.
