A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index). Unlike a general H-index, the D-index exclusively accounts for publications and citations relevant to the specific discipline under evaluation—in this case, Plant Science and Agronomy—thereby providing a more precise reflection of scholarly impact within the field.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
The ranking draws from an extensive examination of a total of 279,971 scientist profiles identified across a broad spectrum of bibliometric data sources and disciplines. Within the scope of Plant Science and Agronomy, 27 scientists in Portugal were specifically analyzed.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, each scientist must meet a minimum D-index threshold of 30. Furthermore, a majority of their tier publications must be concentrated in the field of Plant Science and Agronomy, ensuring domain-specific excellence. Additional consideration is given to scientists’ awards and distinguished achievements within the same area, reinforcing the credibility of the ranking.
The D-index threshold is adaptively set, increasing in increments of 10 depending on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This approach guarantees that the top 1% of leading researchers in any given field are incorporated in the listing. An important qualifying criterion also requires that the proximity between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index remains at or below 30%, ensuring that their recognized impact closely aligns with disciplinary specialization.
Verification Practices and Methodological Rigor
The curators of this ranking recognize that raw bibliometric data alone does not constitute a definitive measure of scholarly performance. In acknowledgment of this complexity, all scientist profiles were manually verified and cross-correlated against publications from a broad array of established and trustworthy sources. This rigorous process mitigates errors and strengthens the integrity of the ranking.
Though not contributing directly to a researcher’s position, the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings serves as a valuable secondary signal, reflecting sustained contributions and engagement within Plant Science and Agronomy.
Ultimately, a researcher’s position is firmly rooted in the D-index, derived from data sourced principally from OpenAlex and CrossRef. By leveraging these high-quality bibliometric databases, Research.com ensures transparency, reliability, and relevance in its rankings.
For further details on the methodology employed in the creation of this ranking, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
Research.com’s overarching mission in developing this ranking is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine emerging trends and trajectories among leading experts. By providing a transparent, methodologically sound resource, we enable the global scientific community to identify who the preeminent researchers are within specific areas of study, across diverse countries, and within various research institutions.
Through this initiative, we aim to foster greater connectivity, collaboration, and recognition within the scientific enterprise, ultimately advancing research excellence and innovation in Plant Science and Agronomy and beyond.
