A scientist’s position in this ranking is determined by their Discipline H-index (D-index), a refined metric that selectively incorporates only those papers and citation counts relevant to the specific discipline under examination — in this case, Social Sciences and Humanities. This method allows for a more accurate reflection of a researcher’s impact within their field.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking process began with an extensive evaluation of 279,971 scientist profiles identified across a broad spectrum of bibliometric sources that cover all disciplines. From this extensive pool, three scientists from Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines were specifically analyzed at a detailed level.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, researchers were required to meet two principal criteria: a minimum D-index of 30 and a majority of their Tier 1 publications had to be in Social Sciences and Humanities. Beyond bibliometric indicators, awards and notable achievements in the field were also considered complementary factors in reinforcing a researcher’s standing.
The D-index threshold for considering top researchers is dynamically adjusted in increments of 10, depending on the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This threshold setting guarantees that the top 1% of leading scholars within a discipline are included in the list. Additionally, to ensure disciplinary focus, there must be a proximity of 30% or less between a researcher’s overall H-index and their discipline-specific D-index.
Verification and Validation Practices
Understanding the limitations of raw bibliometric data as an absolute evaluative tool, the Research.com team employed rigorous manual verification procedures. Each scientist’s profile was cross-correlated with their publications across a wide array of trustworthy academic sources to confirm accuracy and consistency.
Although the number of publications in leading journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence the ranking position, it serves as an important secondary signal of a scientist’s contribution to their specific research area.
The ranking position itself is methodically established using each researcher's D-index, derived from verified data provided by OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and widely respected bibliometric databases accessible to the research community.
For a comprehensive overview of the methodology employed, we invite readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
At Research.com, our mission is to empower researchers, academic institutions, companies, and policymakers worldwide by providing high-quality, meticulously curated rankings that illuminate where leading experts are focusing their efforts. By highlighting the top scientists in specific areas of study, various countries, and research institutions, we aim to foster greater visibility, collaboration, and understanding within the global scientific community.
This ranking is crafted with the highest degree of professionalism and transparency to serve as a credible and trusted resource for those seeking to identify and engage with leading scholars in the Social Sciences and Humanities arenas in Poland and beyond.
