Title: Is the h-index the best criterion to select scientists?

Authors: Alberto Boretti

Addresses: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Scientists are presently ranked mostly based on the number of their citations and works (h-index). While this criterion is certainly an indicator of popularity, in times of citation farms and hyper-authorship this is not an indication of better knowledge or productivity. Recent works have proposed a more elaborate ranking of scientists also based on the citations in their publication records. This ranking, the Stanford standardised citation metrics, has generated large interest but also stirred controversy. This ranking is here discussed in the context of correct research, innovation, and commercialisation process, where the selection of a candidate to be part of a research team should be made based on the best opportunities for successful outcomes.

Keywords: ranking method; scientific achievements; scientific publications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRIC.2020.115339

International Journal of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, 2020 Vol.3 No.2, pp.160 - 167

Received: 22 Dec 2020
Accepted: 24 Feb 2021
Published online: 28 May 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article