Research Guides: ORCID @ HKBU: ORCID benefits

Eliminates name ambiguity

One of the primary goals of the ORCID initiative is to solve the name ambiguity problem. Researchers often share similar names, and it is not uncommon for different scholars to share exactly the same name. This is particularly true in the Chinese cultural context.

Using ORCID identifiers will eliminate this problem. Many publishers are now including ORCID identifiers of authors in journal articles. This will ensure that authors are always properly credited with the work they have produced.

Improves discoverability

Once you have an ORCID identifier and start using it in your research workflows, your research output will benefit from improved discoverability. ORCID is indexed by Google Scholar, and you can also link it to the author systems used in key databases like Web of Science and Scopus.

By attaching your unique identity to articles, datasets, patents, etc., you ensure that all of your work is found when other scholars search for your research output.

Saves your time

Many major publishers and research funders are supporting the ORCID initiative. Representatives from the Wellcome Trust, Springer Nature, Cornell University, and others sit on the ORCID Board of Directors.

These organizations and others like them are increasingly incorporating ORCID into their workflows. For example, journal publishers may request your ORCID iD during the manuscript submission process. The screenshot below is taken from the Elsevier Editorial System:

Organizations can do many useful things with your ORCID iD, such as automatically fill in your personal details so that you do not have to complete their online forms manually. Publishers can also push the details of your new article directly to your ORCID account following publication. If you have linked your ORCID iD to your research profiles, this saves you the trouble of adding new publications yourself.

As more organizations implement ORCID integrations such as those described above, you will waste less time on repeatedly entering the same data into different research information systems.

Stays with you throughout your career

Your ORCID iD is associated with you personally, and is not issued by HKBU (although we do facilitate and promote ORCID adoption). Should you move to a new position, your ORCID iD goes with you, ensuring that you always have a unique way to identify yourself as an author or contributor.