h-index (as an author metric)
What
The h-index is a single numerical value used to represent the combined effects of a researcher's productivity (number of publications) and impact (citations). It was first introduced by Professor Jorge Hirsch in his paper “An index to quantify an individual’s scientific research output”.
The h-index is the number of publications (h) which have been cited at least (h) times each. For example, a researcher who has an h-index of 10, has at least 10 publications which have each been cited at least 10 times.
Why
- To demonstrate productivity and impact
- To benchmark peers within the same discipline (use with caution)
Applications
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Funding applications, Academic promotion, Job application
Considerations
- Due to differences in publishing and citing behaviour, h-index is not a useful comparison across disciplines
- Favours longer career lengths
Common tools
- Scopus
- Web of Science
How to find your h-index and other indices:
1. WSU Research Activity Statement
- Log into the WSU Research Portal using your institutional login details.
- Search for your surname, then select the link under the column headed Research Activity Statement. Your five-year SciVal h-index will be listed under the Publications tab.
2. Scopus
Access your Scopus Author Profile to view author metrics data from Scopus, including the h-index, h5-index, m-index and g-index in the top section of the author profile page.
3. Web of Science
Create your Web of Science Researcher Profile for the most accurate data from Web of Science. Your profile will include author metrics, including your Web of Science h-index in the panel on the right-hand side of the screen.