ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor Identifiers) are unique digital identifiers that distinguish you from every other researcher and helps to identify your scholarly work.

Unlike other research IDs, your ORCID ID is universal. It's not tied to any institution or database, and it can follow you wherever your research takes you.

ORCID Requirements included in New Common Form Implementations by Federal Funding Agencies

Smith College Libraries strongly recommends the use of ORCID ID to meet persistent identifier requirements being implemented by federal funding agencies to meet the new Common Form Requirements. NSF currently requires ORCID, NIH will require ORCID in 2025, and it works for other agencies as well. Find out why and how to register for an ORCID iD below.

ORCID provides several benefits to researchers and solves several long-standing issues.

• Time Savings
  • When you allow trusted organizations to add your research information to your ORCID record, you no longer need to do it yourself. Spend more time conducting your research and less time managing your profiles.
• Solution to Name Ambiguity / Name Flexibility
  • Do you have a common name? Are there other authors, educators, researchers, and professionals who share your name? ORCID records are completely unique to each individual, so you can distinguish yourself from others and take credit for your hard work.
  • ORCID also provides you with name flexibility. If your name has changed, you will not be limited to the name you used when you created your record or began your career.
• A Unique Identifier
  • Distinguish yourself and claim credit for your work while controlling access to your data, no matter how many people have your same (or similar) name.
• It May Be Required
  • Some institutions, associations, and funders require that authors have a persistent researcher identifier. ORCID is the most commonly used and meets the requirements of most, if not all, funders. See the full list of journals that require ORCID.

If you do not already have an ORCID ID, you can claim one at https://orcid.org/register

• Use your Smith email address when you register. You can set your privacy preferences using the options listed. Note that "public" is the default option for your profile, while "limited" allows you to exchange information with select organizations.
• You should only have one ORCID profile! Are you unsure whether or not you already have an ORCID profile? Check at the Forgot password page.

After you have your unique ORCID ID learn how to optimize, integrate, and modify your profile!

ORCID ID page Adapted from Cornell University Library's ORCID LibGuide, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.