ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is a nonprofit organization that uniquely identifies and connects researchers worldwide. To this end, ORCID provides researchers with a permanent, unique identifier (ORCID iD). Registration and use of the ORCID iD are free of charge. Further information about ORCID and its vision, mission, and values can be found on the organization’s website.

As a KIT member, you can register directly through your KITopen profile and link your ORCID iD to your KITopen account.

One ID. A lifetime of impact.

Researchers keep their ORCID iD for life after registration. This applies even if you change research institutions or research topics. You also keep your ORCID if you change your name. This ensures that your old and new publications are always correctly attributed to you and increases the visibility of your research achievements.

The ORCID iD ensures a solid data foundation. Based on metrics from selected databases, the relevance and impact of your publications can be measured. These analyses fall under the Division Bibliometrics and are offered and carried out by KIT Library as a service for the entire KIT.

Name Matches and Name Synonyms

One of the biggest hurdles in scholarly publishing is the correct attribution of works to authors on publication platforms and in databases. Many of these systems use algorithms and artificial intelligence to assign works to a person or affiliation. Errors in this process result in publications being assigned to the wrong people or in new accounts or profiles (duplicates) being created.

The term “homonyms” refers to cases where terms or names are spelled the same but refer to different people. Typical examples in the German language are the names Müller or Schmidt.

Name synonyms refer to cases where a different spelling is used, such as the names Mayer and Maier. This can occur due to actual typos or system errors, but also as a result of translation into other languages or differing conventions.

The Digital Business Card 

Increase your visibility and impact by enriching your profile with additional information, such as your affiliation, professional background, and research activities beyond publishing. Providing this additional information puts your research and publications into context.

KITopen is KIT’s central repository and thus a publication platform for all KIT researchers. The repository’s functionalities are tailored to KIT’s needs and form an integral part of the Research Information System currently being developed at KIT.

By linking ORCID and KITopen, both services can be used effectively. KITopen collects your publications in an institutional bibliography, while ORCID ensures the correct association between publications and individuals and makes your research visible worldwide. 

Important: The data collected in KITopen is relevant for institutional reporting as part of the Helmholtz Association’s reporting system and the evaluation of research divisions.