Elsevier Data Repository Releases Updated Science-Wide Author Databases with Standardized Citation Indicators
(Published on October 4, 2023)
In a significant development for the scientific community, the Elsevier Data Repository has released an updated dataset titled “Updated Science-Wide Author Databases of Standardized Citation Indicators.” This data update, identified as Version 6, is now publicly available with a DOI reference of 10.17632/btchxktzyw.6.
What’s Inside the Database?
This repository is a valuable resource for researchers, providing standardized citation metrics for the top-cited scientists across various scientific fields. It includes essential information such as citations, h-index, co-authorship adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator known as the c-score. Additionally, the dataset offers metrics with and without self-citations and the ratio of citations to citing papers.
Scientific Fields and Subfields Classification
One of the standout features of this dataset is the classification of scientists into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields, following the standard Science-Metrix classification. Field- and subfield-specific percentiles are also provided for all scientists with at least 5 papers, offering a comprehensive view of their impact within their respective domains.
Career-Long and Single Recent Year Impact
The dataset distinguishes between career-long impact and single recent year impact, providing insights into a scientist’s influence over time and their recent contributions to the field. Career-long data are updated to the end of 2022, while single recent year data pertain to citations received during the calendar year 2022.
Selection Criteria
The selection of scientists included in this dataset is based on the top 100,000 scientists by c-score (with and without self-citations) or a percentile rank of 2% or above in the sub-field.
Data Sources and Updates
Version 6 of this dataset is based on the October 1, 2023 snapshot from Scopus, updated to the end of the citation year 2022. The calculations were performed using all Scopus author profiles available as of October 1, 2023.
Prof. Dr. Trina Ekawati Tallei’s Inclusion
We are pleased to highlight that Prof. Dr. Trina Ekawati Tallei, a distinguished lecturer from the Department of Biology at Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia, is listed among the top 2% of the world’s most influential and top-cited scientists. This recognition underscores her significant contributions to the field of biology and science as a whole.
Accuracy and Correction
Authors are advised to ensure the accuracy of their Scopus profiles, as the published version of the dataset reflects Scopus author profiles at the time of calculation. Requests for corrections of Scopus data, including affiliation corrections, should be directed to Scopus via the Scopus to ORCID feedback wizard.
Understanding the c-score
The c-score is a crucial component of this dataset, focusing on impact (citations) rather than productivity (number of publications). It also takes into account co-authorship and author positions (single, first, last author).
For further information, interested users are encouraged to read the three associated PLoS Biology papers that explain the development, validation, and practical applications of these metrics and databases.
A Word of Caution
The dataset acknowledges that all citation metrics have limitations, and their use should be approached judiciously. For those seeking more information on this topic, the Leiden manifesto is recommended reading.
This release of the Elsevier Data Repository marks a significant step forward in providing researchers with valuable insights and standardized metrics to assess scientific impact. Researchers and institutions are encouraged to explore this dataset and its applications in the world of science.
Contributor: John P.A. Ioannidis
