More than just a number of publications: Unity Index, an alternative "ranking" for bibliometric analyses

This paper presents the unity index- an index designed in response to the call to find a more holistic way to assess scientific production. In this case, the scientific production is understood from a multivariate perspective using existing measurements, such as the number of publications, the number of, and the H-Index. It can be used especially when generating or assessing production in bibliometric studies. The index consists of a 3-part point system where points are assigned to the authors based on their position in the rank of the 3 traditional indicators for production, acceptance and impact. The index is calculated by attributing 1 point to the author with most published articles and increasing the number of points attributed by 1 to all the subsequent authors. The same point attribution is done to the remaining 2 indicators, acceptance -citations- and impact -h-index-. In the presented method, 3 different means of calculation are shared. Finally, the method is validated and different ways to analyze the results and generate insights are suggested.•The Unity Index offers a new way to assess scientific production from a multivariate perspective.•The index can be calculated easily using MS Excel formulas, but automatic ways of calculation are also easily available.•Bibliometric studies can profit from a less linear way to analyze the information and generate more insightful information and guide the research.