A researcher’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that considers only papers and citations within the examined discipline — in this case, Plant Science and Agronomy. This discipline-specific focus ensures that the ranking accurately reflects scientific impact pertinent exclusively to the field.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
The scope of this ranking encompasses a wide examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from diverse bibliometric data sources across all scientific disciplines. Specifically, for Plant Science and Agronomy, 1,245 scientists were evaluated rigorously.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a D-index of at least 30.
- Have a majority of their tier publications concentrated in the area of Plant Science and Agronomy.
- Demonstrate notable awards and achievements within the field of Plant Science and Agronomy, which serve as additional validating factors.
The threshold for the D-index is calibrated in increments of 10 relative to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, while ensuring the inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Furthermore, to maintain disciplinary relevance and expertise, a proximity criterion is enforced whereby the difference between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index must not exceed 30%.
Additional Verification Practices
The research team behind this ranking fully acknowledges that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure for evaluating scholarly output. Consequently, all scientist profiles were subjected to meticulous manual verification and were cross-correlated against publications indexed in a wide range of trusted sources to guarantee accuracy and consistency.
While a researcher’s number of publications in prestigious journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence their ranking position, these metrics constitute important secondary signals that attest to a scholar’s overall contribution within their specific scientific domain.
The final position in the ranking is established based on each researcher's D-index calculated from data consolidated by OpenAlex and CrossRef. These databases represent the most prominent, current, and respected bibliometric resources accessible to the research community globally.
For further insight into the detailed processes and methodology underpinning this ranking, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
The Research.com Agenda
Research.com is committed to empowering researchers, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers worldwide by illuminating the trajectories of leading scientific experts. Our mission is to foster awareness and connection by providing a transparent and authoritative platform where the scientific community can identify and engage with top researchers within specialized fields, across national boundaries, and within research institutions.
Through this rigorously developed ranking, we aim to encourage informed decision-making and collaboration, ultimately advancing scholarship and innovation in Plant Science and Agronomy and beyond.
