Participation of researchers affiliated with top Times universities in the ResearchGate network: A comparative study of Iranian and international researchers

Purpose: This is an applied research, with the aim of a comparative study of the presence and participation of Iranian and international researchers affiliated with the top scientific centers (Times Ranking 2020), in the Research Gate research network. Altimetric indicators, such as "RG score", "Reads", "number of registrations" and "number of research items" were considered. Methodology: Survey performed with altimetric approach and analytical method. Sample of top 10 universities in Iran and 10 scientific centers around the world by Times Ranking  performance index of education, research, knowledge transfer, and international perspective done. First, a comparative study of the activities of Iranian researchers with one another, then of international researchers completed separately. Lastly, an analysis of the differences in performance amongst these two groups was performed by "Libre Office Calc" software. Findings: Among Times top 10 international scientific institutes, the indicators of "number of registrations," "RG-score per member," "number of publications per member" and "reads" the highest rates were observed in researchers at Cambridge University in London, the California research center, and the California research center at Oxford university, respectively. Among the top 10 Universities in Iran, the indicators of "number of registrations," "RPG score per media member," "number of research copies per member" and "reading rate of research copies, "among the researchers with organizational affiliation to the Amir Kabir University of technology, Tehran University of medical sciences, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran university of medical sciences, the highest amount was observed. The total "average score per member" at the international level was 8.4 and at the Iranian level was 5.1. The "average reads" index for the top 10 universities or research institutes at the international level was 154990.2. The figure was obtained for the top 10 universities in Iran, 22736.1. Conclusion: Researchers affiliated with top universities in Iran, compared to their international counterparts, have a stronger social interaction in terms of indicators of ResearchGate in activities such as "enquiring," "answering questions" and "suggestion." Although the difference between the number of research items shared internationally is more than 3 times that of Iran, but the average RG score is not seen 3 times that of Iran globally. So, the high RG score is not related to the number of research items on the ResearchGate. Also, comparative study on the presence and activities of researchers affiliated with Times top Universities in Iran and internationally could lead to better future.