All citation-based metrics used to devise the ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. A scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their Discipline H-index (D-index), a refined variant of the traditional H-index that incorporates citation data exclusively from papers within the specific examined discipline—in this case, Plant Science and Agronomy. This approach ensures a focused evaluation strictly relevant to each researcher’s impact in their specialized domain.
Scope of Research and Eligibility
An extensive pool of 279,971 scientist profiles was examined across all disciplines, from which 1,000 scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were identified for this ranking. To qualify, a scientist must have a D-index of at least 30, with the majority of their tier publications concentrated within Plant Science and Agronomy. Additionally, awards and notable achievements in the field were considered to provide a more comprehensive appraisal of a researcher’s influence and leadership.
The threshold for the D-index is adaptively set in increments of 10 relative to the total estimated population of scholars within each discipline. This methodology is designed to consistently incorporate the top 1% of leading experts in the field. Moreover, to ensure discipline-specific relevance, qualifying scientists typically exhibit a proximity of 30% or less between their general H-index and their discipline-specific D-index.
Verification and Additional Assessment Practices
The Research.com team recognizes the inherent limitations of relying solely on raw bibliometric data as an absolute measure of scholarly output. Consequently, every scientist’s profile was manually verified and cross-correlated against publications indexed in a wide array of reputable sources to ensure precision and authenticity. While the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s position in this ranking, it constitutes a valuable secondary signal of their contribution to Plant Science and Agronomy.
The ranking position is fundamentally established based on each researcher's D-index derived from data aggregated by OpenAlex and CrossRef. These databases remain the most transparent, accessible, and authoritative sources for bibliometric analysis in the global research ecosystem. For further details on the rigorous methodology employed, please refer to our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the trajectories of leading scientists. By providing transparent, meticulously curated information about who the foremost experts are within specific disciplines, countries, and institutions, we aim to facilitate collaboration, funding decisions, and strategic planning across the global scientific community. This ranking exemplifies our commitment to fostering greater visibility and recognition for exceptional contributions within the field of Plant Science and Agronomy in Ecuador and beyond.
