Bibliometric data underpinning the citation-based metrics used for this ranking were collected as of 2024-11-27. Each institution’s position in the ranking is directly determined by the sum of D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all affiliated scholars whose primary publication area falls within Plant Science and Agronomy. The D-index is a discipline-specific H-index variant, rigorously calculated to include only publications and citation data relevant to the examined field, thus offering a focused measure of scientific impact.
Scope of Research and Qualifying Criteria
To ensure robust selection, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles were examined from a wide range of bibliometric data sources. Of these, 14,876 scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were included in the analytical phase. For a scholar to qualify, the D-index threshold was set at 30, and a majority of their major publications needed to lie within Plant Science and Agronomy.
Recognition of a scientist’s broader contributions, including their awards and field-specific achievements, was also factored into the rankings. To maintain selectiveness and representativeness, the D-index threshold for top researchers was further calibrated by increments of 10, accounting for the total number of scholars identified in each discipline, while ensuring inclusion of the top 1% of leading experts. Moreover, a proximity criterion required a maximum 30% difference between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index, thereby validating the focus and depth of their expertise in the discipline concerned.
Verification and Quality Assurance Practices
The team behind the ranking acknowledges that raw bibliometric data alone is insufficient as an absolute gauge of scholarly impact. Therefore, every scientist’s profile was also subjected to manual verification and cross-correlation against publications in a diverse array of trusted academic sources.
Although the quantitative count of papers in top-tier journals and conference proceedings is not a criterion for positioning in the Research.com ranking, it remains a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contributions to their field. The final position of each researcher is based primarily on their H-index as documented in OpenAlex and CrossRef, providing a robust, credible measure vetted by the research community.
For full details on our procedures, criteria, and data handling, readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
The Research.com ranking is guided by the mission of inspiring scientists, business leaders, and policymakers globally to explore emerging directions set by leading experts. By providing a transparent, data-driven overview of the world’s most accomplished researchers and institutions in various disciplines, countries, and organizations, we aim to facilitate recognition, benchmarking, and strategic development within the global research community.
Key Results: United Kingdom and Global Achievements
The latest edition of the Research.com ranking highlights leading institutions in the United Kingdom and features outstanding scholars from around the globe.
- Top 3 UK Institutions by Number of Leading Scientists in Plant Science and Agronomy:
- University of Sheffield: 16 scientists
- University of Reading: 12 scientists
- University of Nottingham: 12 scientists
The most prominent international scholars in Plant Science and Agronomy are affiliated with: 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, and University of Dundee.
- Top 3 Global Scientists:
- Professor Rattan Lal, The Ohio State University — D-index: 188
- Mark Stitt, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology — D-index: 161
- Pedro W. Crous, Utrecht University — D-index: 157
Statistical Highlights:
- The average total D-index for the top 5% of universities is 1,325, compared to an average of 202 for all 699 ranked institutions.
- The average number of published articles by top 5% university-affiliated scientists is 4,638, in contrast to an average of 727 for all universities included.
- The average number of citations for researchers from the top 1% universities is 279,971, significantly higher than the overall average of 46,531 for all ranked universities.
The 4th edition of the Research.com Best Plant Science and Agronomy Universities in United Kingdom Ranking stands as a testament to carefully curated, extensively validated, and transparent evaluation practices, serving as an essential resource for academic institutions, researchers, and decision-makers worldwide.
