Ranking positions are determined by the cumulative D-index (Discipline H-index) of all included scholars associated with each institution whose principal publication focus is in Plant Science and Agronomy. It is important to note that the D-index exclusively incorporates publications and citation data within the specified academic discipline, ensuring a highly focused and relevant metric for evaluation.
Scope of Analysis
An extensive analysis was performed, examining 279,971 scientist profiles drawn from a variety of bibliometric data sources. Of these, 14,876 scientists specializing in Plant Science and Agronomy were subjected to detailed evaluation. For inclusion in the ranking, individual scientists were required to possess a minimum D-index threshold of 30, and the majority of their tier publications had to be demonstrably linked to Plant Science and Agronomy.
Recognition of a scientist’s awards and notable achievements within Plant Science and Agronomy also played a contributing role. Furthermore, the D-index threshold for identifying top researchers was set as an increment of 10, adjusted according to the total number of scholars anticipated in each discipline, while maintaining the inclusion of the top 1% of leading scholars. An additional criterion required that the proximity between a scientist’s general H-index and D-index be 30% or less, ensuring that the majority of their high-impact work is specific to the examined discipline.
In sum, the methodology ensures that only those researchers with both matched bibliometric excellence and recognized contributions in Plant Science and Agronomy are included, underscoring the quality and validity of the findings.
Verification and Quality Assurance
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone is insufficient for absolute evaluation, the team behind Research.com implemented robust verification processes. Every scientist profile considered for the ranking underwent detailed manual examination and was cross-verified against publication records in a broad spectrum of trustworthy academic sources.
Although the volume of papers published in prominent journals and leading conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s ranking on Research.com, it is acknowledged as an important secondary indicator of a scientist’s overall contribution to their field.
The final ranking positions are calculated using each researcher’s H-index, as retrieved from OpenAlex and CrossRef—universally recognized bibliometric databases in the global research community. To gain a more in-depth understanding of the analytical approach and processes employed, interested readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission
The central mission of Research.com in creating this ranking is to inspire scientists, business leaders, and policymakers to track the direction of world-leading research experts. This initiative aims to equip the global academic and research community with a transparent, reliable means of identifying the most prominent and impactful experts—whether by discipline, by country, or by individual research institution.
Key Results: 4th Edition, Poland Ranking
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Top 3 institutions in Poland by number of leading scientists:
- University of Life Sciences in Poznań (4 scientists)
- Jagiellonian University (3 scientists)
- University of Gdańsk (1 scientist)
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World's most prominent institutions represented by leading scholars in Plant Science and Agronomy:
- 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
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Leading individuals worldwide:
- 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
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Average metrics:
- Average total D-index for top 5% universities: 1325 (vs. 202 for all 699 institutions)
- Average number of published articles by top 5% university-affiliated scientists: 4638 (vs. 727 for all 699 universities)
- Average number of citations for researchers at top 1% universities: 279,971 (vs. 46,531 for all 699 universities)
This ranking stands as a testament to the meticulous analysis, robust verification, and bibliometric excellence underpinning Research.com’s evaluation process. It is designed not only to celebrate leading contributors in Plant Science and Agronomy but also to guide and inspire further research and academic excellence across Poland and beyond.
