Data Sources and Metric Foundations
The 3rd edition of the Research.com Best Universities in South Africa Ranking is grounded in an extensive compilation of bibliometric data, primarily sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, supplemented by multiple other authoritative data providers. The core citation-based metrics that inform this ranking are derived from these comprehensive sources, ensuring both reliability and breadth of scope. All bibliometric data underpinning the evaluation were systematically collected as of 2024-11-27.
An institution’s position in the ranking is determined by the aggregate D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all ranking scholars affiliated with it. The D-index is a discipline-specific adaptation of the H-index, capturing exclusively publications and citation data relevant to the examined field of study for each scholar. Importantly, researchers from all major scientific areas are considered in this process, reflecting the multidisciplinary landscape of contemporary academia.
Scope of Research Assessment
The current ranking encompasses an analysis of 279,971 scientist profiles identified through robust bibliometric data sources. These profiles span all major scientific disciplines, ensuring that the ranking reflects the true diversity and excellence of research activity within South Africa.
To maintain a rigorous standard of academic accomplishment, only scholars with a D-index threshold of 20 or higher were considered for inclusion in the ranking. Moreover, qualitative factors—such as a scientist’s awards and achievements in their respective field—were also integrated into the evaluation to further enhance the integrity and depth of the assessment.
Verification Practices and Additional Evaluation Criteria
Recognizing that raw quantitative data alone cannot fully encapsulate the multifaceted nature of scholarly output, every scientist profile was subject to meticulous manual verification. This process involved cross-correlation of individual records against a wide array of reputable publication sources, to ensure accuracy and consistency.
While a researcher’s placement in the Research.com ranking is exclusively governed by their H-index—computed according to the aggregated data from OpenAlex and CrossRef, the preeminent bibliometric databases—the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is acknowledged as a valuable supplementary indicator of scientific impact, although it does not influence the actual ranking position.
We invite our readers and the broader academic community to gain a deeper understanding of our rigorous ranking framework by visiting our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Purpose
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers both within South Africa and internationally, by highlighting the achievements and trajectories of leading experts in diverse scientific domains. We strive to provide a transparent and reliable resource that empowers the research community to identify prominent contributors both within specific disciplines, across countries, and at the level of individual research institutions.
Our hope is that this ranking will facilitate collaboration, motivate excellence, and enable evidence-based decision-making for all stakeholders engaged in advancing the global research enterprise.
