Data Sources and Methodology Used for the 4th Edition of the Research.com Best Rising Stars of Science in the World Ranking
The 4th edition of the Research.com Best Rising Stars of Science in the World Ranking is grounded in a rigorous and data-driven process. The primary sources of bibliometric data that underpin the ranking are OpenAlex and CrossRef, which were supplemented by multiple other reputable data sources to ensure comprehensive coverage and accuracy. To maintain focus on emerging talent, only scientists whose earliest publication dates back 12 years or less were eligible for evaluation.
The key bibliometric data used to calculate citation-based metrics were collected on 2024-11-27. Central to the ranking methodology, a scientist’s position in the final list is determined by their H-index—a widely recognized metric that reflects both the productivity and the citation impact of a researcher’s publications.
Scope of Research and Selection Criteria
This edition encompasses a truly global perspective, analyzing 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a vast spectrum of bibliometric databases spanning all major scientific disciplines. The criteria for qualifying H-index scores were specifically calibrated for each research area—typically set at thresholds of either 30 or 40, depending on the norms of the discipline. In addition to H-index, consideration was also given to a scientist’s awards and notable achievements within their field.
Ultimately, only the top 1,000 scientists with the highest H-index values have been featured in the ranking, recognizing the most outstanding rising stars in the global scientific community.
Verification Practices and Data Integrity
The creators of the Research.com ranking recognize that reliance on raw bibliometric data alone can never provide a complete picture of scholarly achievement. Accordingly, every scientist profile was manually verified and cross-checked against publications in a range of highly trusted sources, adding an additional layer of thoroughness and validation to the process. While the ranking itself is based exclusively on the H-index as derived from OpenAlex and CrossRef—currently the most trusted and well-known bibliometric databases available—other measures, such as the number of publications in high-impact journals and prominent conference proceedings, offer further valuable context into a researcher’s contributions, even though this was not a factor in the final ranking position.
For a detailed outline of the procedures and criteria employed, we encourage you to visit our methodology page.
Research.com's Agenda and Mission
Research.com is fundamentally committed to the principle that all researchers—regardless of their length of academic tenure—should have an equal opportunity to be acknowledged and celebrated for their achievements. Through the Best Rising Stars of Science in the World Ranking, our ambition is to inspire fellow scholars, current and prospective academics, and decision-makers globally, by showcasing the outstanding work of researchers who are in the early stages of their academic journey.
We believe that by publicizing these remarkable stories and achievements, we can contribute to extending more opportunities and ensuring greater equity within the scientific community at large.
