In short: An ORCID iD is a free, permanent 16-character identifier that reliably connects you to your research — no matter how common your name is or how it is spelled. Registering takes a few minutes, and many journals and funders now expect one.
What is ORCID?
ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) provides a persistent digital identifier that distinguishes you from every other researcher. Just as a DOI permanently identifies an article, an ORCID iD permanently identifies you and links to a record of your works, affiliations and funding.
Why it matters
- Disambiguation — it separates you from other researchers with the same name, and from variations of your own name (initials, maiden names, transliterations).
- Correct attribution — your publications are reliably connected to you across journals and databases.
- It follows you — through job changes, name changes and career moves.
- It saves time — many submission and grant systems auto-fill your details from your ORCID record.
- It is increasingly required — by journals (including ours, which encourages every author to use one) and funders.
How to register
- Go to orcid.org/register.
- Enter your name and email and create a password.
- Set your visibility preferences — you control what is public, trusted or private.
- Confirm your email. You now have your unique ORCID iD.
It is free and takes only a few minutes.
How to use it
- Add your works, affiliations and funding to your record (many publishers can add publications automatically, with your permission).
- Include your ORCID iD when you submit a manuscript and on your grant applications.
- Add it to your email signature, CV and profile pages.
Key takeaways
- An ORCID iD is a free, permanent identifier that connects you to your work.
- It prevents name confusion and ensures correct attribution.
- Register in minutes at orcid.org and use it on every submission.
- You control your privacy settings.