What is an ORCID ID? Do you need one? How do you get one?

Definition: ORCID iD = Unique and persistent individual identification numbers which are used to identify individual scientific contributors and authors, and to distinguish individual scientists from others.

• Launched in 2012, ORCID iDs can particularly help distinguish individuals who have similar names.
• Over 7000 journals now also use ORCID IDs
• ORCIDs iDs are issued free of charge and are assigned by the non-profit organization ORCID, Inc.

• Beginning in federal Fiscal Year 2020, NIH, AHRQ, and CDC will require that individuals supported by research training (T), fellowship (F), research education (R25/R38/RL5/RL9), and career development (K) awards have ORCID iDs.

• If you are not supported by the grants listed above, you are not required to have an ORCID iD, but I recommend that you get one. It’s an easy way for NIH to link people, funding and publications so eventually, everyone will be required to have one. The ORCID iD also facilitates manuscript submission as many journals use the ORCID iD to identify authors.

Login to eRA Commons and Click on the ‘Personal Profile’ Tab

Over on the left-hand side you should see a spot for your ORCID iD

If you don’t have an ORCID ID linked to eRA Commons, this will say ‘Create or Connect your ORCID iD’

Follow the instructions in the link

First – I highly recommend you get an eRA Commons Username (see the blog). But if you just want to get an ORCID iD, go to the ORCID iD website. 

Once you are on their website you Register for an account and they will issue you an ORCID iD.