The IP & Science business of Thomson Reuters has announced revisions to its Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) methodology to refine its processes for identifying the world's most highly-cited authors and institutions. Thomson Reuters gathered industry input and updated its methodology, while the release of any new designations were frozen, to ensure the greatest level of accuracy in its list.
The next announcement of the most esteemed researchers will be published in April 2013, and will be included as one of the indicators used for Shanghai Jiao Tong University's 2013 Academic Ranking of World Universities.
An HCR designation opens new opportunities for those who hold it. Authors/Researchers are immediately identified as being among the world's best in their field, as are the institutions which employ them. This, in turn, impacts the recruitment and enrollment of faculty and students, respectively.
The updated Thomson Reuters methodology begins first with an analysis of the most highly cited papers, and is followed by a review of those individuals who have authored or co-authored the greatest number of these documents. The analysis now covers a 10-year moving window, with citations counted over an additional year, so every paper is available for citation for at least 12 months. Articles and reviews from the Web of Science are the primary documents analysed. Once someone is recognised as being highly cited by Thomson Reuters, he/she will retain that designation through the future, regardless of changes to citation influence in future years.
Authors/Researchers may review and update their information for consideration in the 2013 most highly cited list by March 31, 2013.
