A scientist's position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), which focuses exclusively on papers and citation metrics pertinent to the specific discipline under examination. This discipline-focused metric allows for a more precise evaluation of each researcher’s impact in the Social Sciences and Humanities fields, rather than across all domains of their research.
Scope and Criteria of the Ranking
The ranking process involved an extensive examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified through a variety of bibliometric data sources spanning all disciplines. Specifically, 1,000 scientists from the Social Sciences and Humanities area were scrutinized for inclusion.
To qualify for consideration, a scientist’s D-index in Social Sciences and Humanities had to be at least 30. Moreover, a majority of their tier publications needed to be within this disciplinary area, ensuring that their primary contributions align closely with Social Sciences and Humanities research. Awards and distinguished achievements within the field were also considered as part of the evaluation process.
The D-index threshold for top researchers is adjusted in increments of 10 in accordance with the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline. This strategy guarantees that the top 1% of leading experts are incorporated into the ranking, maintaining rigorous and equitable standards across varied fields. Additionally, there is a built-in proximity criterion whereby the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index does not exceed 30%, further validating the discipline-specific focus of the ranking.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output or impact, the Research.com team placed considerable emphasis on manual verification and cross-correlation. Each scientist profile was carefully reviewed and validated against publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy academic sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
While the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly affect a researcher’s ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of their contribution to research within the Social Sciences and Humanities. The ranking’s core basis remains the D-index derived from the most prominent and widely recognized bibliometric databases—OpenAlex and CrossRef. These platforms represent the leading data repositories available to the global research community, further strengthening the credibility of the ranking.
For a detailed account of the methodological framework utilized in this ranking, readers are encouraged to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire researchers, academic institutions, companies, and policymakers worldwide to understand the trajectories of leading experts in various fields. By providing transparent and robust rankings, we aim to foster a deeper knowledge of who the foremost specialists are by area of study, country, and institution.
This ranking is designed not only as a tool for recognition but also as a catalyst for collaboration, investment, and informed decision-making within the scientific community. The meticulous work invested in creating this ranking reflects our commitment to advancing science through reliable, data-driven insights that illuminate the forefront of social sciences and humanities research in Lebanon.
