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Digital Persistent IDentifiers - PIDs

This guide lists 6 key PID types: ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID), DOI (Digital Object Identifier), RRID (Research Resource ID), ROR (Research Organization Registry), Funder ID, Grant ID, It will also discuss some benefits of using PIDs.

Sign up for a free ORCID ID

 

ORCiD logo

 

First, create an ORCID ID by visiting orcid.org and signing up. It's free!

Example Orcid ID

 

Write it down, take a screenshot, add it to your CV or email so you don't forget your ID number.

 

When you publish, add your ORCID in the publication form. Add your existing works to your ORCID profile to make them more discoverable to people searching for your research.

Video walkthroughs

Why ORCID?

Why ORCID?

ORCIDs are made to help people and computers more able to identify researchers. When you use your ORCID, you make the whole research community better by improving the technology that allows researchers to find other researchers.

In the digital environment, names can be confusing. There are many situations that can make it hard to search for and locate the right researcher. As scholars change names, jobs, and cities, it becomes even harder. ORCIDs help identify a researcher even when they...

  • Have common names and are hard to tell from others with the same name
  • Change names over different life circumstances
  • Have names with structures or symbols that online search has difficulty with
  • Change roles or institutions

Who needs an ORCID ID?

Everyone!

If any of the bullets above describe you now or might describe you in the future, then your ORCID number will help people to follow your research career and tell who you are across your career, ensuring that you are never confused with someone else.

ORCIDs support diversity and improve the research community

Maybe you have a unique name, are cisgendered, never expect a name change for marriage or divorce, and do not plan to change careers. Even if none of these situations could ever apply to you, please still sign up for and use your ORCID.

Why? 

Because it makes research better. Systems ranging from PubMed to JSTOR use identifiers like ORCID to improve their search functions and organize data. Using ORCIDs makes searching for articles and books more accurate. The more scholars use ORCID, the more accurate online search will be for all researchers.