Data Sources and Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Social Sciences and Humanities Scientists in Turkey Ranking is primarily constructed using bibliometric data from OpenAlex and CrossRef, alongside multiple other reputable data sources. These databases are among the most prominent and widely recognized in the global research community, offering comprehensive publication and citation records essential for robust evaluation. The citation-based metrics used in this ranking were collected on January 12, 2026, ensuring currency and relevance of the data. A scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), which specifically measures impact within an examined discipline by including only papers and citations directly related to that field.
Scope of Research and Selection Criteria
The ranking process commenced with an examination of 279,971 scientist profiles identified across diverse bibliometric databases, spanning all scientific disciplines. From this extensive pool, 3,449 scientists specializing in Social Sciences and Humanities were specifically scrutinized. To qualify for inclusion, a scientist’s D-index had to be at least 30, and the majority of their tier publications were required to be within the Social Sciences and Humanities domain. Additionally, consideration was given to notable awards and achievements relevant to this field.
The D-index threshold for top researcher consideration is set in increments of 10, adjusted according to the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline, while ensuring that the ranking consistently incorporates the top 1% of leading experts. To maintain disciplinary accuracy, a proximity criterion was applied whereby the difference between a scientist’s overall H-index and their D-index must be 30% or less.
Verification and Validation Practices
Aware that raw bibliometric data alone are insufficient for a fully accurate evaluation of scientific output, the researchers behind this ranking implemented extensive manual verification of all scientist profiles. Each profile was cross-correlated against publications listed in a wide array of trustworthy sources to ensure data integrity and correct attribution. While the number of papers published in leading journals and prominent conference proceedings does not directly affect a researcher’s ranking position, it serves as a valuable secondary indicator of their contribution within the Social Sciences and Humanities.
The position of each researcher is ultimately established based on their D-index, as computed from reliable records in OpenAlex and CrossRef. For detailed information on the rigorous methodology employed in this ranking, interested readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Objectives
At Research.com, our mission in developing this ranking is to inspire scientists, academic institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the trajectories of leading experts. By providing a transparent and meticulously curated overview of the foremost researchers in Social Sciences and Humanities within Turkey, we aim to foster greater recognition and collaboration. This initiative serves as a conduit, enabling the global scientific community to identify and engage with the highest-caliber expertise across multiple disciplines, countries, and research institutions.
