Data Sources and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Social Sciences and Humanities Scientists in Cyprus Ranking leverages robust and comprehensive data sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Primarily, bibliometric data were collected from OpenAlex and CrossRef, two of the most prominent and widely recognized bibliometric databases available to the research community. In addition to these core sources, multiple other bibliometric data repositories were consulted to provide a well-rounded foundation for the evaluation process. The citation-based metrics used to develop this ranking were compiled on January 12, 2026.
The ranking methodology centers on the D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that delineates a researcher’s scholarly contributions and impact strictly within the examined discipline. This approach ensures that the evaluation is discipline-specific by including only papers and citations directly relevant to Social Sciences and Humanities.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
An extensive examination was conducted covering 279,971 scientist profiles identified from diverse bibliometric data sources across all disciplines, with a focused subset of 6,000 scientists specifically from the Social Sciences and Humanities domains. To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist’s D-index must be at least 30, and a majority of their tier publications must originate from Social Sciences and Humanities research areas. Further, awards and professional achievements particular to these fields were considered to better reflect a researcher’s influence and standing.
The D-index threshold is dynamically adapted in increments of 10 based on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This calibrated threshold ensures the inclusion of the top 1% of leading researchers on the list. Additionally, to preserve consistency and domain-specific relevance, a proximity criterion is applied whereby the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index must not exceed 30%.
Verification and Data Integrity Procedures
Research.com acknowledges that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of a scholar’s output. Accordingly, all scientist profiles underwent rigorous manual verification. This process involved cross-correlation of researchers’ publication records against a broad spectrum of reputable sources to validate accuracy and authenticity.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conferences does not directly affect a researcher’s ranking position, it remains an important secondary indicator of a researcher’s contribution to their specific scientific area. Ultimately, a scientist’s position in the ranking is firmly established through their D-index derived from the meticulous collation of data from OpenAlex, CrossRef, and allied sources.
For a detailed understanding of the methodology implemented, please consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Vision and Objectives
The creation of this ranking is driven by Research.com’s overarching mission to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the trajectories of leading experts within various scientific domains. By providing transparent and meticulously curated data, the ranking fosters greater awareness and accessibility to information about who the foremost authorities are in specific disciplines, countries, and institutions.
This initiative empowers the global scientific community by highlighting high-impact research and facilitates connections and collaborations that advance knowledge. Through comprehensive and careful analysis, Research.com strives to strengthen the fabric of science by showcasing excellence in Social Sciences and Humanities both in Cyprus and beyond.
