Data Sources and Methodology
The 3rd edition of the Research.com Best Universities in Croatia Ranking draws on comprehensive and robust bibliometric data, with OpenAlex and CrossRef serving as the primary data sources. These two databases are globally recognized for their extensive coverage and reliability in the realm of scholarly publications and citations. In addition to OpenAlex and CrossRef, our methodology incorporates information from multiple other reputable data sources to ensure the most accurate and thorough assessment possible.
Bibliometric data used to devise our citation-based metrics were systematically collected as of 2024-11-27. The core of the ranking methodology involves calculating a sum of D-indexes (Discipline H-index) for all ranking scholars affiliated with each institution. The D-index uniquely considers only the publications and citation data relevant to a specific scientific discipline, allowing for discipline-specific evaluation. Nonetheless, scientists from all major research areas were included when establishing the overall ranking, ensuring a holistic representation of institutional research strength.
Scope of Research Considered
The ranking process encompassed an extensive evaluation of 279,971 scientist profiles sourced from a diverse range of bibliometric databases. These profiles spanned all major scientific fields, ensuring comprehensive disciplinary representation. Each scientist had to achieve a qualifying D-index threshold of 20 to be included in the ranking, reflecting a minimum standard of research impact and productivity. In addition to quantitative citation metrics, qualitative factors such as notable awards and career achievements within their respective fields were also taken into account.
Verification and Quality Assurance
Recognizing the inherent limitations of raw data when evaluating scholarly output, the Research.com team undertook meticulous verification practices. Every scientist profile included in the ranking underwent manual verification and was cross-referenced against the publication records in a broad spectrum of trustworthy sources. While the total number of papers published in leading journals and conference proceedings does not directly affect a researcher's position in our ranking, we acknowledge that it provides valuable supplementary insight into a scientist's contribution within their field.
The institution’s position in the ranking is determined using each affiliated researcher’s H-index, as specified by the most current data from OpenAlex and CrossRef—widely recognized as authoritative bibliometric databases within the global research community. For additional information about the methodology deployed in assembling this ranking, we invite you to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire scientists, business leaders, and policymakers worldwide to understand and explore the trajectories of leading experts in various fields. Through our rankings, we aim to provide the global research community with transparent and reliable tools to identify the foremost experts—whether by discipline, country, or institution. By doing so, we hope to foster informed collaboration, benchmarking, and advancement across all areas of science and technology.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of data integrity, transparency, and methodological rigor in our rankings, delivering value and guidance to researchers and academic institutions everywhere.
