Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
 

Research Impact Metrics & Visibility

This guide, targeted towards faculty and researchers, provides an introduction to the various metrics used to measure scholarly research impact.

  • Founded in 2012 by a free, global, not-for-profit organization, ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor Identifier) or ORCID iD is a unique 16-digit number that connects researchers with their scholarly output and grants.

  • ORCID is an interoperable, persistent digital identifier that distinguishes you from every other researcher.

  • ORCID is self-curated, hence you are in control of what is viewable on your account.

  • ORCID iDs are collected and used internationally by many institutions including publishers, repositories, professional associations, universities, funders, and research organizations. 

                                  

                             Photo source: ORCID. (2014, June 2). What is ORCID? [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/97150912

Getting an ORCID iD:

  • Distinguishes scholarly contributions among researchers with the same or very similar names.

  • Overcomes problems with inconsistent name formats and legal name changes.

  • Ensures that your work is discoverable and increases your research visibility.

  • Connects your research to you throughout your career.

  • Is being required by major journal publishers and funding organizations.

  • Enhances the discoverability of your funding history.

  • Automatically updates your record as you publish.

                                    

           Photo source: ORCID. (2020, December 30). A quick tour of the ORCID record [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/495762735

You can register for a free iD at ORCID in three easy steps:

  1. Enter your personal data (name and email),

  2. Create a password,

  3. Control your visibility settings (public, shared with trusted parties, or private).

      

You need to verify your primary email address to access all of ORCID's editing features.

Once you sign up, you will be assigned a unique ORCID iD number.

   

You can manually add any information to your ORCID profile like your name variants and a small biography.

You can manually populate the following sections on your profile page: Employment, Education and qualifications (see screenshot below), Invited positions and distinctions, Membership and service, and Funding.

There are numerous ways of populating the work section on your ORCID profile. Go to Works section and click on '+ Add'.

You can add your publications by searching & linking (e.g. to CrossRef or Scopus); by adding DOI or PubMed ID; by adding BibTex; or manually.

1st method: Search & Link

The recommended way to add "traditional" research outputs such as peer-reviewed journal articles to your record is via 'Search & link', as this tool directly connects to some organizations and databases and ensures accuracy of record data. 

  • Select ‘Search & link’ to bring up a list of author ID sources.

  • Next, scroll through the list and select an organization/database you wish to connect to e.g. Scopus - Elsevier.

  • Select 'Authorize' and choose your profile - follow the steps to identify relevant publications to connect your ORCID with Scopus (see the video below).

Source: Scopus. (2017, October 4). Use the search & link wizard to import works [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/236776451

2nd method: Add BibTex

Add BibTeX

For databases or platforms that don't have a direct connection with ORCID (e.g. LibrarySearch, Google Scholar or EndNote), you can import citations in the form of BibTeX (.bib) files - more detail can be found on the ORCID website. 

Note: It's recommended that the Search & link import function is used wherever possible, as there have been some inconsistencies when trying to import BibTeX (.bib) files. 

To import a BibTeX file (.bib):

  • Select Add BibTeX to import a list of publications using a BibTeX file (.bib).

  • Next, select Choose BibTeX file to import and then select the BibTeX (.bib) file you want to import.

  • You will see any publications in a list. Select save (click the disk icon) next to the desired publication to add the work individually, or choose the Save all button to add all of the publications at once.

  • The publications will then appear listed under the Works section of your record, and you will be listed as the source.

    3rd method: Add manually

 

This method is suitable for adding research outputs not listed in the main databases connected to ORCID.

To add manually:

  • Complete all required fields. This includes Select a work category, Work type, and Title.

Screencapture showing the Works dialog box and Work details section, including the select work category, work type, and title fields.

  • Descriptions for all fields can be found from the ORCID website.

  • Apart from the work category and title of the work, it is highly recommended to also complete the work identifiers, e.g. DOI for journal articles, or ISBN for books. If an identifier is not available, fill in a URL.

  • A quick method for adding the citation can be to copy and paste from a CV or list of your works.

After completing the form, click Save changes to submit.

Source: RMIT University. (2022, March 10). Researcher Profiles and ORCID iDs. https://rmit.libguides.com/c.php?g=677033&p=6586647

You can grant permission to your research assistant or another trusted individual to maintain and update your ORCID account on your behalf by following the below steps:

  • Click on the drop down menu by your name in the upper right side of the page,

  • Scroll down to 'Account Settings',

  • On the new page, scroll down to 'Trusted individuals' section, (Trusted individuals must have an ORCID account themselves)

  • Type in the ORCID iD, email address or the name of the trusted individual and click on search,

        

  • When the trusted individual signs in to their account, they will be able to toggle between their own ORCID account and the delegated account.

Trusted individuals will be able to edit any information on your ORCID profile except your password and account details.

 
The below tutorials and resources may be relevant if you want to learn more about ORCID: