Data Sources and Bibliometric Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Social Sciences and Humanities Scientists in Taiwan Ranking is grounded primarily on bibliometric data sourced from leading scientific databases including OpenAlex and CrossRef, complemented by multiple additional reputable data sources. The citation-based metrics, which form the backbone of the ranking methodology, were compiled on January 12, 2026. Each scientist’s position in the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a refined metric that specifically accounts for publications and citations within the discipline under examination, thereby offering a more precise representation of a researcher's impact in Social Sciences and Humanities.
Scope of Research and Eligibility Criteria
In total, 279,971 scientist profiles were identified and analyzed across all academic disciplines from diverse bibliometric databases. Within this extensive dataset, 23 scientists specializing in Social Sciences and Humanities were carefully examined. To qualify for inclusion in this ranking, researchers were required to meet a minimum D-index threshold of 30, ensuring a focus on established contributors in the field. Furthermore, a majority of each scientist's tier publications must be firmly situated within the Social Sciences and Humanities domain. Consideration was also given to the scientist’s awards and notable achievements within these fields as supplementary evaluative criteria.
The D-index threshold for top researchers is adjusted in increments of 10 depending on the estimated total number of scholars within each discipline. This approach guarantees that the ranking systematically incorporates the top 1% of leading scholars. Additionally, a proximity criterion mandates that the difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index does not exceed 30%, ensuring disciplinary relevance and ranking integrity.
Verification and Validation Procedures
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully capture the nuanced contributions of scholars, the Research.com team employed rigorous manual verification protocols. Every scientist profile in the ranking underwent a thorough cross-correlation process against publications verified through a broad spectrum of authoritative and trustworthy sources.
While the number of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence positioning in the Research.com ranking, it serves as an important secondary indicator of a researcher’s scholarly contribution within their discipline. The principal metric driving the ranking remains the D-index, calculated exclusively based on data from OpenAlex and CrossRef—two of the most prominent and widely regarded bibliometric databases accessible to the research community.
For detailed insights into the ranking methodology, we invite readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
At Research.com, our overarching mission is to inspire researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions worldwide to engage with the trajectories of leading experts. This ranking provides a transparent and authoritative means for the global scientific community to identify distinguished scholars in specific fields of study, across countries, and within institutions. By illuminating the forefront of Social Sciences and Humanities research in Taiwan, we aim to foster collaboration, inform strategic decisions, and support the advancement of knowledge through well-founded recognition of scholarly excellence.
