Science should move past ‘top 2%’ label
India needs both fundamental research and practical solutions without making inclusion in the ‘top 2% scientists’ database’ the primary goal
Indian scientists, like their counterparts worldwide, merit acknowledgment for their work in expanding human knowledge. International recognition is an essential aspect of this validation. Recent media reports suggest that India's representation in the "top 2% scientists' database" is increasing. Regardless of whether Indian researchers are included in such lists or not, many of them contribute significantly to research.
Their work should be recognized based on its own merits and not solely on their inclusion in a database. However, concern arises when inclusion in a database is treated as definitive proof of research excellence or when exclusion is perceived as a lack of worth. John Loannidis and his colleagues, who developed the "top 2% scientists' database," have warned against interpreting inclusion in the database as a definitive measure of research quality.
Firstly, the database relies on publication and citation data from Scopus without verifying their originality. Secondly, the precision of author profiles and discipline classification impact the outcomes. Thirdly, the database overlooks contributions published in regional languages. The terms and conditions specify that comments must be in English, written as full sentences, and cannot be abusive or personal.
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