An extension of the Hirsch Index: Indexing scientific topics and compounds

TL;DR

This paper introduces an extension of the Hirsch index to evaluate scientific topics and compounds, helping to identify emerging hot topics and assess research maturity.

Contribution

It proposes a new index for topics and compounds, enabling differentiation between new and established research areas.

Findings

The hb index and m can distinguish hot topics from older ones.

The method aids newcomers in assessing research activity in specific areas.

The approach provides a quick way to gauge interest and progress in scientific fields.

Abstract

An interesting twist of the Hirsch index is given, in terms of an index for topics and compounds. By comparing both the hb index and m for a number of compounds and topics, it can be used to differentiate between a new so-called hot topic with older topics. This quick method is shown to help new comers to identify how much interest and work has already been achieved in their chosen area of research.