A university’s position in the ranking is determined by the sum of D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all ranking scholars affiliated with that institution whose primary publication area is Environmental Sciences. The D-index is a discipline-specific metric that exclusively considers publications and citation impact within the examined area, ensuring that an institution’s standing reflects true subject-area expertise.
Scope of Research and Evaluation Criteria
To ensure a robust and wide-ranging evaluation, the ranking considered 279,971 scientist profiles identified across diverse bibliometric databases. Of these, 17,263 scientists specializing in Environmental Sciences were thoroughly analysed.
The eligibility criteria included a minimum D-index threshold of 30 for each scientist, with the majority of their prominent publications required to be in Environmental Sciences. In addition, scientists' awards and field-specific achievements were carefully factored into the evaluation. The D-index threshold for consideration of top researchers increases in increments of 10, calibrated to the population size of each discipline, with a guarantee that the top 1% of leading scholars are represented in the final dataset. To confirm discipline focus, only profiles with a proximity of 30% or less between their general H-index and their D-index were considered. Other significant recognitions and distinctions achieved in the field also contributed to final rankings.
Verification and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing the limitations of raw bibliometric data in fully evaluating scholarly output, the process incorporated rigorous additional verification steps. Each scientist profile underwent manual verification and cross-referencing with publications in a broad array of trustworthy sources to ensure authenticity and accuracy.
While the number of papers published in leading journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a scientist’s position in the Research.com ranking, it serves as an important secondary indicator of their contribution to their field. Rank positions are established using each researcher's H-index, as determined by information collected from OpenAlex and CrossRef—the leading bibliometric databases available to the global research community.
For a comprehensive overview of all evaluation procedures and practices, readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com Agenda and Mission
The creation of the Research.com university ranking stems from our guiding mission: to inspire scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers globally to track and understand the evolving directions of top experts. Our rankings provide the research community with an authoritative and accessible means of identifying leaders in specific disciplines, across countries, and within research institutions.
Key Findings and Results of the 4th Edition Ranking
- Top 3 institutions in Bangladesh with the highest number of leading scientists in Environmental Sciences:
- Patuakhali Science and Technology University (1 scientist)
- Independent University (1 scientist)
- International prominence in Environmental Sciences: The world’s most prominent Environmental Sciences scholars are affiliated with: California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Rice University, University of Almería, University of Helsinki, Korea University, University of East Anglia, University at Albany, State University of New York, Pennsylvania State University, and University of Colorado Boulder.
- Top global Environmental Sciences scholars:
- Professor P. Ciais, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) — D-index: 207
- John H. Seinfeld, California Institute of Technology — D-index: 194
- Daniel J. Jacob, Harvard University — D-index: 191
- Statistical insights:
- The average total D-index for the top 5% of universities is 2061 compared to 318 for all 1001 institutions included in the ranking.
- Scientists affiliated with the top 5% of universities have published on average 7,534 articles in Environmental Sciences, compared to 1,185 for all included universities.
- The average number of citations for researchers at the top 1% universities is 279,971, notably higher than the average of 83,066 for all ranked institutions.
These results underline the careful, evidence-based processes that underpin Research.com’s academic rankings and highlight Bangladesh’s positioning within a global network of Environmental Sciences excellence.
