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ORCID (Open Researcher Contributor Identifier) iDs: How to Use ORCID?

Understanding what ORCID is, why you should use an ORCID, how to use ORCID, who uses ORCID, how to register for an ORCID, and setting up your ORCID record.

How to Use Your ORCID Record

After an initial time investment to set-up your ORCID record, you can save time later by using your ORCID iD to:

  • Sign in to various systems - journal article submission, grant application, research information systems, etc.
  • Transfer your information to employers, funders, and publishers via ORCID - just look for the ORCID iD icon: ORCID iD icon
  • Allow "trusted parties" (organizations that you are affiliated with) to add relevant information to your ORCID record for you, such as newly published articles.
  • Use the print view to easily and quickly create a CV document.

Setting up Your Record

Register for your ORCID iD or log in if you already have one, and set data visibility.

  • ORCID is enabled for UCSB. On the log in page, click on "institutional account" to log in to ORCID with your UCSB credentials.

Populate your data. If you have time follow the guidance below for BEST PRACTICES. Otherwise, use the GOOD ENOUGH advice to get started.

Setting Up Your GOOD ENOUGH ORCID Record:

On the left side of your ORCID record, add identifying information to the following fields:

  • Also known as - other names you have used
  • Country - input your current county
  • Email Address - add at least one additional email address to your record in case you need to recover your account. Email addresses are set to private visibility by default in ORCID.

In the main column of your ORCID record, ensure that data is populated for:

  • Your most recent employment - start typing the name of your institituion and then select the appropriate entry from the dropdown menu that appears to add your employment information.
  • Your most recent education - start typing the name of your institution and then select the appropriate entry from the dropdown menu that appears to add your education information. 
  • Funding - if you have any grant funding, you can use the SEarch & Link wizard in the funding section to search for and add your grants. Note that future grant funders might be able to write funding to your ORCID record for you if you provide them with your ORCID iD.
  • Works - there are a number of different ways you can add works to your ORCID record.  Works can include publications, but also presentations, blogs, artwork, performances, and any other type of deliverable.  Add as much data as you can. Note that future publishers of your work that are ORCID-enabled will be able to write works to your ORCID record, if you provide them with your ORCID iD.

In the upper right corner of your record:

  • To facilitate integration, it is also necessary to set your record's visibility setting to "everyone" or "trusted parties."

Setting Up Your BEST PRACTICE ORCID Record

In the main column of your ORCID record, ensure that data is populated for:

  • Biography - a brief statement or paragraph about you, your career, and research interests
  • Employment - start typing the name of your institituion and then select the appropriate entry from the dropdown menu that appears to add your employment information
  • Education - start typing the name of your institution and then select the appropriate entry from the dropdown menu that appears to add your education information
  • Qualifications - enter any additional qualifications or certifications
  • Invited positions - enter any invited, non-employment affiliations
  • Distinctions - enter any distinctions or awards that you have received
  • Memberships - enter any memberships in organizations that you belong to
  • Service - enter any service or volunteer work that you have done
  • Funding - if you have received any grant funding, you can use the Search and Link wizard in the funding section to search for and add your grants.  Note that future funders of your work might be able to write funding information to your ORCID record if you provide them with your ORCID iD. 
  • Works - there are a number of different ways you can add works to your ORCID record.  Works can include publications, but also presentations, blogs, artwork, performances, and any other type of deliverable.  Add as much data as you can. Note that future publishers of your work that are ORCID-enabled will be able to write works to your ORCID record, if you provide them with your ORCID iD.

In the upper right corner of your record:

  • To facilitate integration, it is also necessary to set your record's visibility setting to "everyone" or "trusted parties."