A Novel Methodology for Identifying the Top 1% Scientists Using a Composite Performance Index
Remizov A. Memon S.A. Sadykova S.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
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2025#13Issue 4
There is a growing need for comprehensive and transparent frameworks in bibliometric evaluation that support fairer assessments and capture the multifaceted nature of research performance. This study proposes a novel methodology for identifying top-performing researchers based on a composite performance index (CPI). Unlike existing rankings, this framework presents a multidimensional approach by integrating sixteen weighted bibliometrics metrics, spanning research productivity, citation, publications in top journal percentiles, authorship roles, and international collaboration, into a single CPI, enabling a more nuanced and equitable evaluation of researcher performance. Data were retrieved from SciVal for 1996–2025. Two ranking exercises were conducted with Kazakhstan as the analytical unit. Subject-specific rankings identified the top 1% authors within different research areas, while subject-independent rankings highlighted the overall top 1%. CPI distributions varied markedly across disciplines. A comparative analysis with the Stanford/Elsevier global top 2% list was conducted as additional benchmarking. The results highlight that academic excellence depends on a broad spectrum of strengths beyond just productivity, particularly in competitive disciplines. The CPI provides a consistent and adaptable tool for assessing and recognizing research performance; however, future refinements should enhance data coverage, improve representation of early-career researchers, and integrate qualitative aspects.
bibliometric indicators , Composite Performance Index (CPI) , researcher evaluation , researchers ranking , scientific productivity
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Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Office of Research Policy and Analysis, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Office of Research Policy and Analysis
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