Each institution's position in the ranking is determined by the aggregated D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all scholars affiliated with that institution whose main area of publication is Economics and Finance. The D-index is a discipline-specific metric that includes publications and citation data exclusively within the examined field.
Scope of Research Analyzed
The 2024 ranking draws on a substantial body of research. A comprehensive analysis of 279,971 scientist profiles from a variety of bibliometric sources was undertaken, with a more focused examination of 12,210 researchers specializing in Economics and Finance. To ensure a high standard of excellence, a qualifying D-index threshold of 30 was set for individual scientists, and the majority of each scholar's most significant publications needed to fall within the domain of Economics and Finance.
Additionally, a scientist’s professional achievements, such as awards and field-specific recognitions, also formed part of the assessment. The D-index threshold for identifying top researchers is incrementally set (by 10) based on the number of scholars estimated in each discipline, with the objective of incorporating the top 1% of leading scholars in the field. An important verification metric required a proximity of 30% or less between a scholar’s general H-index and their D-index to ensure disciplinary focus. Awards and recognitions were also incorporated as a qualitative factor.
Verification & Additional Evaluation Practices
The architects of the Research.com ranking acknowledge that bibliometric data alone should not be viewed as the singular instrument for assessing scholarly output. In recognition of this, each scientist profile featured in the ranking underwent manual verification and was cross-correlated against publications in a broad selection of trustworthy academic sources.
While not a ranking criterion, the count of papers published in leading journals and prestigious conference proceedings was reviewed as a valuable secondary indicator of a researcher’s disciplinary impact. The ranking itself is established by each researcher’s H-index, as measured using data from OpenAlex and CrossRef, the globally recognized bibliometric databases. Readers seeking a deeper understanding of the metrics, thresholds, and analytic frameworks are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
The creation of the Research.com university rankings is underpinned by our commitment to motivating scientists, business leaders, and policymakers globally to explore the trajectories of top experts. Our broader mission is to provide the research community with reliable answers to the questions of who the leading experts are across disciplines, countries, and within specific institutions. The rankings seek to foster transparency, inspire excellence, and drive international collaboration within Economics and Finance research.
Key Results of the 4th Edition Ranking
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Top three Japanese institutions with the highest concentration of leading Economics and Finance scholars:
- University of Tokyo (4 scientists)
- Waseda University (2 scientists)
- Kyushu University (1 scientist)
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Globally, the most prominent Economics and Finance scholars represent institutions such as: Columbia University, University of Chicago, Harvard University, MIT, Imperial College London, Indiana University, Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of California, Berkeley, and The Ohio State University.
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Leading scholars in Economics and Finance worldwide:
- Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz (Columbia University) – D-index: 191 (ranked #1 globally)
- Professor James J. Heckman (University of Chicago) – D-index: 181 (ranked #2 globally)
- Professor Andrei Shleifer (Harvard University) – D-index: 168 (ranked #3 globally)
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Statistical comparison:
- The average total D-index for the top 5% universities is 1,987, compared to 234 for all 584 institutions included.
- The average number of published articles in Economics and Finance for scientists at the top 5% of universities is 6,674, versus an average of 903 across all 584 universities.
- The average number of citations for researchers at the top 1% of universities is 3,279,971, whereas the overall average for all institutions is 279,971.
Through an exacting evaluation process and comprehensive data collection, the 4th edition of the Research.com Best Economics and Finance Universities in Japan Ranking aims to offer the academic community a reliable, meticulously curated, and actionable resource for benchmarking institutional and individual research excellence in Economics and Finance.
