Scientometric portrait of biochemist Santiago Grisolía: publication productivity, collaboration patterns, and citation analysis

Santiago Grisolía has made numerous scientific discoveries and contributions of great relevance to the advancement of biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in the field of enzymology in the metabolism of nitrogen related to the urea cycle and the impoverishment of pyrimidines. This article analyses, by means of bibliometrics indicators and social network analysis, his professional career, comparing the results obtained with the patterns of scientific activity of other distinguished researchers. The main findings of the study carried out are as follows: the evolution of his scientific productivity shows an initial period in which the growth is slow or moderate, followed by a fast exponential growth phase with a high level of productivity sustained over a long period (from 33 to 72 years old); a wide spectrum of collaborators increased progressively over time; and notable citation levels with a sustained number of citations received, despite a reduction in his scientific productivity over recent years. Some phenomena common to the professional trajectory of other relevant scientific figures have been observed, such as the early start to scientific publication; intervention in different areas of knowledge; frequent publication in multidisciplinary journals as well as in journals specialized in his area of knowledge; the presence, in a majority of cases, in the first or last position in the order of authorships; as well as the high levels of collaboration and citation of a great many of his papers. These patterns may be followed by young scientists or newcomers to achieve scientific excellence.