The Prize Winner Index (PWI): A proposal for an indicator based on scientific prizes

In this study, we propose a new index for measuring performance in science which is based on collaborations (co-authorship distances) in science: the Prize Winner Index (PWI). The PWI is based on the Erdős number – a number that was introduced several years ago. We propose to focus with the new index on laureates of prestigious prizes in a certain field and to measure co-authorship distances between the laureates and other scientists. To exemplify and explain our proposal, we computed the proposed index in the field of quantitative science studies (PWI_PM). The Derek de Solla Price Memorial Award (Price Medal, PM) is awarded to outstanding scientists in the field. We tested the convergent validity of the PWI_PM. We were interested whether the indicator is related to two established bibliometric indicators: (1) citation impact (number of papers belonging to the 10 % most frequently cited), and (2) journal prestige (number of papers which have appeared in top quartile journals). The results show that the coefficients for the correlation between PWI_PM and both indicators are high in cases when a sufficient number of papers have been considered for a reliable assessment of performance. Therefore, measured by established indicators for research performance, the new PWI indicator seems to be convergently valid and, therefore, might be a possible alternative for established (bibliometric) indicators – with a focus on prizes.