Data Sources and Methodology
The 4th edition of the Research.com Best Universities in Brazil Ranking is primarily based on comprehensive bibliometric data aggregated from OpenAlex and CrossRef, supplemented by multiple other reliable data sources. The citation-based metrics used to generate the ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. The ranking position for each institution is determined by the sum of D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all affiliated scholars. The D-index quantifies a researcher’s impact within a specific discipline by exclusively analyzing publications and citation data relevant to that field. Importantly, scientists from all major research areas were included in the evaluation, ensuring the ranking captures a broad and diverse research spectrum.
Scope of Research
The ranking covers an extensive dataset comprising profiles of 279,971 scientists identified through a variety of bibliometric data sources across all major scientific disciplines. To qualify for consideration, a scientist’s D-index threshold was set at 20, ensuring that only those with a significant impact in their respective fields were included. Additionally, a scientist’s recognition through awards and professional achievements was taken into account, reflecting not just quantitative output but also qualitative excellence.
Verification and Quality Control
The Research.com team acknowledges that raw bibliometric data alone cannot fully represent the scholarly output of researchers. To uphold the integrity and credibility of the ranking, all scientist profiles were manually verified and cross-correlated against publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy sources. Although the frequency of publications in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not a direct factor in determining a researcher’s position, it was considered a valuable secondary indicator of scientific contribution within specific disciplines.
The ranking positions are ultimately determined using each scientist’s H-index, calculated from data obtained from OpenAlex and CrossRef, two of the most prominent and well-established bibliometric databases available to the research community today. Further details on the methodology can be found on our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission
Research.com is committed to motivating scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions worldwide to explore cutting-edge domains of expertise. Our ranking serves as a comprehensive resource for the global research community to identify leading experts and top-performing institutions across specific disciplines and geographic regions. By providing transparent and rigorously verified data, we aim to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and support informed decision-making within academic and research ecosystems.
