A scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that evaluates only those publications and citations relevant to the specific discipline of Plant Science and Agronomy. This targeted approach allows for a more accurate representation of expertise and contribution within the examined research area.
Scope and Qualification Criteria
This ranking rigorously examined 279,971 scientist profiles aggregated from various bibliometric databases spanning all disciplines. Within this comprehensive dataset, 5 scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy based in Malaysia were identified for inclusion.
To qualify for the ranking, a candidate’s D-index had to meet a minimum threshold of 30. Furthermore, the majority of each qualifying scientist's tier publications had to explicitly fall within the scope of Plant Science and Agronomy. Beyond bibliometric indicators, individual awards and achievements recognized in this field were also considered to provide additional context to each researcher’s standing.
The D-index threshold for evaluating top researchers is set dynamically, increasing by increments of 10 depending on the estimated total number of scholars in the discipline, while ensuring inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Additionally, a proximity criterion mandates that a scientist’s general H-index and D-index differ by no more than 30%, to guarantee domain-specific excellence aligns closely with overall scientific impact.
Additional Verification and Methodology Integrity
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully capture the nuances of scholarly output, the Research.com team conducted a thorough manual verification process. Each scientist profile included in the ranking was cross-correlated against publications recorded in a wide variety of trusted academic sources to validate accuracy and authenticity.
While publication count in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not directly weighted in determining ranking position, it serves as an important secondary signal of research contribution within the discipline.
The final rankings are established by calculating each researcher’s D-index based on data from the highly respected OpenAlex and CrossRef platforms, which represent the foremost bibliometric databases accessible to the global research community.
For those interested in a deeper understanding of the process and criteria employed in compiling this ranking, detailed information is available on our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to closely monitor the evolving trajectories of leading experts. By providing a transparent and carefully curated ranking of top scientists by discipline, country, and institution, we aim to facilitate recognition and foster collaboration within the scientific community.
Through these efforts, we strive to empower the global research ecosystem with clear insights into who is shaping the forefront of specific areas of study, thereby driving informed decision-making and encouraging excellence across academia and beyond.
