Researcher IDs

Researcher IDs

Researcher IDs are unique identifiers assigned to individual researchers to distinguish them from others with similar names and to track their academic contributions. These IDs are essential for maintaining accurate records of publications, citations, and collaborations. Below is a detailed overview of the most widely used researcher IDs, their benefits, and how to use them.

1. Key Researcher ID Systems

Here are the most prominent researcher ID systems:

a. ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID)

  • Description: A non-profit organization providing a unique 16-digit identifier for researchers.
  • Features:
    • Links to publications, grants, patents, and other research outputs.
    • Integrates with major publishing platforms, funding agencies, and institutions.
  • Website: https://orcid.org

b. Scopus Author ID

  • Description: Automatically assigned to authors indexed in the Scopus database.
  • Features:
    • Tracks publications and citations in Scopus.
    • Groups publications by author, even if names are spelled differently.
  • Website: https://www.scopus.com

c. Web of Science ResearcherID

  • Description: A unique identifier for authors in the Web of Science database.
  • Features:
    • Tracks publications and citations in Web of Science.
    • Allows researchers to create a public profile.
  • Website: https://www.webofscience.com

d. Google Scholar Profile

  • Description: A free service that allows researchers to create a public profile and track citations.
  • Features:
    • Automatically updates publications and citations.
    • Provides metrics like h-index and i10-index.
  • Website: https://scholar.google.com

e. Publons (now part of Web of Science)

  • Description: A platform for tracking peer reviews and editorial contributions.
  • Features:
    • Integrates with Web of Science ResearcherID.
    • Provides recognition for peer review activities.
  • Website: https://publons.com

2. Benefits of Researcher IDs

  1. Unique Identification:
    • Prevents name ambiguity and ensures accurate attribution of research outputs.
  2. Improved Visibility:
    • Enhances discoverability of research publications and collaborations.
  3. Streamlined Reporting:
    • Simplifies reporting of research activities for funding agencies and institutions.
  4. Citation Tracking:
    • Provides accurate metrics like h-index, citation counts, and impact factors.
  5. Interoperability:
    • Integrates with major academic platforms, making it easier to manage research profiles.

3. How to Get a Researcher ID

a. ORCID

  1. Visit https://orcid.org.
  2. Click “Register for an ORCID iD”.
  3. Fill in your personal and professional details.
  4. Use your ORCID iD when submitting manuscripts, applying for grants, or updating your institutional profile.

b. Scopus Author ID

  1. Publish a paper in a journal indexed by Scopus.
  2. Scopus automatically assigns an Author ID.
  3. Use the Scopus Author Feedback Wizard to correct or merge your profile if needed.

c. Web of Science ResearcherID

  1. Visit https://www.webofscience.com.
  2. Sign up for a ResearcherID.
  3. Link your publications to your profile.

d. Google Scholar Profile

  1. Visit https://scholar.google.com.
  2. Click “My Profile” and follow the instructions to create a profile.
  3. Add your publications manually or let Google Scholar auto-populate them.

4. Best Practices for Using Researcher IDs

  1. Use Consistently:
    • Include your researcher ID (e.g., ORCID) in all academic submissions, grant applications, and profiles.
  2. Keep Profiles Updated:
    • Regularly update your publications, affiliations, and research interests.
  3. Integrate IDs:
    • Link your ORCID with other IDs (e.g., Scopus Author ID, ResearcherID) for seamless data sharing.
  4. Promote Your Work:
    • Share your researcher profile on your website, CV, and social media.

5. Comparison of Researcher IDs

ID System Unique Feature Integration Best For
ORCID Universal identifier for all disciplines Integrates with 1,000+ platforms Researchers across all fields
Scopus Author ID Automatic tracking of Scopus publications Scopus database Researchers in STEM and social sciences
ResearcherID Tracks Web of Science citations Web of Science Researchers in high-impact fields
Google Scholar Free citation tracking and metrics Google Scholar Researchers seeking broad visibility

6. Challenges and Solutions

  • Name Ambiguity: Use a consistent name format across all platforms.
  • Profile Fragmentation: Link all your IDs (e.g., ORCID, Scopus, ResearcherID) to consolidate your research outputs.
  • Privacy Concerns: Adjust privacy settings on platforms like Google Scholar to control what information is public.