A common problem when looking for scientific information is the identification of academic authors. There are cases where several different researchers have the same combination of surname and initials. Sometimes databases and search engines that have their own way of recording the author of the publication each inadvertently produce multiple variants of the same name. Moreover, if the surname or the initials of the author change in the course of the career, it becomes difficult to attribute the works written under both names to the same person.
All these problems can be solved using ORCID iD, a persistent identifier that allows one to disambiguate authors of scholarly work and to better connect researchers to their research outputs such as papers, monographs, conference presentations, reviews, research data, patents, etc. The identifier was created by the Open Researcher Contributor Identification (ORCID) Initiative – a global community-built not-for-profit organization.
How does ORCID iD work?
ORCID iD is a unique 16-digit identification number (e. g. 0000-0003-4217-5362). Each number is connected to a record in the ORCID registry and a publicly visible profile of the author. The registry keeps record of the information on the author's education, work experience, affiliations, publications, participation in projects, submitted manuscripts, funding applications, etc. The author can decide which information will be visible in their public profile, and which will remain inside their user account. Profile information can be added manually or can be imported from publisher platforms, institution registries or repositories.
How does one get ORCID iD?
Registration for an ORCID identifier is easy and free of charge. One just needs to go to https://orcid.org/register, complete the registration and add profile information. The profile will automatically be assigned an identification number.
Once your ORCID iD is set up, do not forget to provide your identification number when submitting publications or other content relevant to scientific communication, so that the results of your work can be associated with your ORCID record.
Why is it worth having an ORCID iD?
- You will have an online profile page that will help to distinguish yourself from other people who have the same (or similar) name as you and claim credit for your work.
- ORCID links all your research together. The results of your research will remain connected to your profile even if your name changes.
- Obtaining an ORCID iD is hassle- and cost-free.
- ORCID iD is supported by numerous academic publishers and research funding organisations.
Gintė Medzvieckaitė
2023-08-25