A researcher's position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric that considers only the papers and citation metrics pertinent to the examined discipline. This focus ensures that the ranking reflects impact and productivity strictly within the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Scope of Research and Eligibility Criteria
The ranking is based on an extensive examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a diverse array of bibliometric data sources, covering all academic disciplines. Specifically, 1,000 scientists from the Social Sciences and Humanities were evaluated for inclusion in this ranking.
To qualify, a scientist’s D-index had to be at least 30, demonstrating a significant contribution within their discipline. Additionally, a majority of an individual’s tier publications needed to be rooted in Social Sciences and Humanities. Beyond bibliometric measures, awards and notable achievements within these fields were also considered to reflect distinguished scholarly impact.
The threshold for considering top researchers is dynamically set as increments of 10 in the D-index, relative to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This approach ensures the top 1% of leading scholars are incorporated across disciplines. Moreover, eligibility requires that the proximity between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index does not exceed 30%, maintaining discipline-specific rigor in ranking assessments.
Verification and Validation Practices
The Research.com team recognizes that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output. To address this, every scientist profile included in the ranking underwent meticulous manual verification. Profiles were cross-correlated against publications indexed in a broad range of trustworthy and authoritative sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the ranking position, it remains a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution to their area of research.
The ranking positions themselves are established based on the D-index scores calculated using data sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef—widely recognized as two of the most prominent and reliable bibliometric databases accessible to the research community.
For an in-depth understanding of the methodology, please visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Vision and Mission
Research.com is committed to motivating researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to engage deeply with the evolving landscape of scientific expertise. By providing transparent and meticulously validated rankings, we aim to illuminate where leading experts are directing their efforts within specific disciplines, countries, or research institutions.
Our mission is to empower the global scientific community by fostering greater awareness of leading scholars, thereby facilitating collaboration, informed decision-making, and the advancement of knowledge across all regions and fields.
