Institutional positions in the ranking are determined by the sum of D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all scholars whose main affiliation is with the institution and whose primary publication output is in Plant Science and Agronomy. The D-index is an aggregate metric, incorporating only publications and citation information specific to the discipline under examination, thereby ensuring domain-specific evaluation.
Scope and Selection Criteria
For this ranking, a rigorous assessment was conducted across a total of 279,971 scientist profiles from diverse bibliometric data sources. Out of these, 14,876 scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were closely analysed.
The following key criteria were used for selection and ranking:
- D-index Threshold: Each candidate scientist was required to have a minimum D-index of 30, and a majority of their significant publications had to be in Plant Science and Agronomy.
- Adjusted D-index Threshold for Top Researchers: The D-index requirement for consideration as a top researcher is adjusted in increments of 10, according to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline, ensuring that the top 1% of leading scholars are always represented.
- Proximity Ratio: The D-index must be within 30% of the scientist’s overall H-index, ensuring the publication output is predominantly in Plant Science and Agronomy.
- Awards and Achievements: Recognitions and accomplishments in the field are also factored into the evaluation.
Verification and Data Integrity Practices
The Research.com team is acutely aware that raw bibliometric data should not be used in isolation to evaluate research contributions. Therefore, every scientist profile was manually verified, with cross-correlation against a wide spectrum of trusted publication sources.
While the number of articles published in prestigious journals or conferences does not directly influence a researcher’s ranking position in Research.com, this data serves as a valuable supplementary indicator of scholarly impact within the discipline. The primary position in the ranking is established using detailed H-index data from both OpenAlex and CrossRef, the world’s leading bibliometric databases for the research community.
For a comprehensive explanation of our process, methodology, and validation steps, please visit our methodology page.
Research.com Mission and Goals
At Research.com, our mission is to inspire scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers worldwide to track the trajectories of top experts. By providing this transparent and comprehensive ranking, we enable the global research community to identify leading figures in specific disciplines, across countries, and within organizations, thus promoting informed networking, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Key Findings of the 4th Edition Ranking
- Top 3 Brazilian Institutions by Number of Leading Scientists:
- Universidade de São Paulo: 26 scientists
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa: 8 scientists
- State University of Campinas: 5 scientists
- Top Institutions Represented by the Most Prominent Global Scholars: The Ohio State University, Utrecht University, China Agricultural University, Curtin University, University of Birmingham, Australian National University, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Nanjing Agricultural University, Murdoch University, University of Dundee.
- Leading Scientists Worldwide:
- 1st: Professor Rattan Lal (The Ohio State University) – D-index: 188
- 2nd: Mark Stitt (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology) – D-index: 161
- 3rd: Pedro W. Crous (Utrecht University) – D-index: 157
- Average D-index for Top 5% Universities: 1325 (compared to 202 for all 699 ranked institutions)
- Average Number of Published Articles (Discipline-specific) in Top 5% Universities: 4,638 (versus 727 average for all universities analyzed)
- Average Number of Citations for Top 1% University-affiliated Researchers: 279,971 (compared to 46,531 across all 699 universities)
Through rigorous data collection, stringent vetting practices, and a methodological approach tailored to the nuances of each scientific discipline, the Research.com Best Plant Science and Agronomy Universities in Brazil Ranking provides an authoritative, trustworthy resource for academia and beyond.
