The Hirsch index remains one of the main bibliometric indicators used to assess scientific output. From 2027, Uzbekistan will for the first time link a Hirsch index of five directly to the size of a cash payment for supervising doctoral candidates.
A Hirsch index of five as a new benchmark for doctoral supervisors in Uzbekistan
The Hirsch index reflects not only how many papers a scientist has published, but also how often other authors cite them. The higher the figure, the greater the weight given to that scientist's contribution to their field.
In Uzbekistan this figure now has a concrete practical use. Under the presidential decree “On improving the system for training and certifying a new generation of scientific personnel” of 26 May 2026, a Hirsch index of five has been set as the threshold that determines the size of the payment for supervising doctoral candidates.
What payments are being introduced for doctoral supervision from 2027?
From the 2027 admissions round, the way doctoral supervisors are paid is changing. Instead of a monthly fee for supervision, a one-off incentive payment is being introduced.
It is paid for each research trainee enrolled on the basic doctoral programme, as well as for each doctoral candidate who defends their thesis on time. The Agency for Innovative Development covers the cost of these payments.
How the size of the payment is calculated from the Hirsch index
The size of the one-off payment to a doctoral supervisor depends directly on their own Hirsch index:
- where the supervisor's Hirsch index is below five, the payment is up to 40 times the minimum wage
- where the supervisor's Hirsch index is above five, the payment is up to 80 times the minimum wage
Reaching and then exceeding a Hirsch index of five therefore directly increases the potential size of the payment available to a doctoral supervisor.
What a high Hirsch index gives a scientist beyond the cash payment
Bibliometric indicators are not used only to calculate the payment for doctoral supervision. A high Hirsch index also counts in a number of other situations connected with a scientific career.
These situations include:
- applying for research grants
- being considered for a senior scientific position
- being assessed as a partner in international research collaborations
- confirming eligibility to serve on dissertation committees
In each of these cases, the Hirsch index is one of the benchmarks used to assess a scientist's standing, alongside other indicators.
How can a scientist raise their Hirsch index to five?
Raising a Hirsch index is a gradual process that depends on the number and quality of publications, and on how often they are cited. A practical strategy usually involves several consecutive steps:
- Publish articles in journals indexed by Scopus or Web of Science that match the profile of the research.
- Keep the author profile in bibliometric databases up to date and correctly filled in.
- Build co-authorships with colleagues at home and abroad on current research topics.
- Keep the reference list accurate and avoid unjustified self-citation.
Following these steps gradually increases both the number of citations and the overall Hirsch index figure.
A Hirsch index of five in 2027 will become, for doctoral supervisors in Uzbekistan, not only a mark of scientific standing but also a factor with a direct bearing on the size of the payment for supervising doctoral candidates. At the same time, the index continues to play a role in other aspects of a scientific career – from grant applications to international cooperation.
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