As the volume of scientific publications, data, and projects continues to grow, so does the need to reliably and consistently identify and connect this information across different systems. This need is addressed by the development of persistent identifiers (PIDs), which enable the unambiguous identification of researchers, institutions, and research outputs, while establishing stable links between them. Their importance is also evident in practice within the e-infrastructure environment – since last year’s call, more than 530 users have already linked their ORCID accounts with their e-INFRA accounts. Which identifiers are most commonly used today, and how is their adoption shaping the Czech research landscape?
ORCID as a researcher identifier
One of the most widely used identifiers for uniquely identifying researchers is the ORCID iD (Open Researcher and Contributor iD). It is an international persistent identifier for individuals involved in research, consisting of a unique 16-digit code typically expressed as a URL (e.g. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4834-908X) and managed by the non-profit organisation ORCID, Inc. “In simple terms, it can be seen as the equivalent of a personal identification number in the world of research – a persistent identifier that uniquely distinguishes one researcher from another. Unlike a name, which can change or be duplicated, an ORCID iD remains with the researcher throughout their career, regardless of changes in institution or country,” explains Hana Heringová, Head of the National Centre for Persistent Identifiers.
The main purpose of the identifier is to reliably connect researchers with their outputs and professional activities. It can be linked to publications, datasets, grants, and other research results. At the same time, it enables machine-readable connections between various information systems – such as publishers, repositories, grant databases, or institutional systems. “If a researcher consents to linking their ORCID iD with an institutional system, secure and automated data exchange can take place between the two environments. Information about publications, affiliations, or other outputs can be written directly into the ORCID profile or, conversely, retrieved from it. This increases data reliability and consistency, as the information comes from verified sources, while also reducing administrative burden,” adds Hana Šilha Machová, ORCID Coordinator in the Czech Republic.
ORCID in the Czech context and the role of the National Centre
In the Czech Republic, the National ORCID Centre plays a key role in promoting the adoption of this identifier. Since June 2023, it has operated at the National Library of Technology as part of the National Centre for Persistent Identifiers within the CARDS* project. Its role is to provide methodological, coordination, and financial support for integrating ORCID iDs into institutional systems, facilitate knowledge sharing between organisations, and promote broader adoption of the identifier. “We currently register 30 participating institutions and 25 active system integrations. These integrations use the member API to connect to the global ORCID registry, enabling the collection of verified ORCID iDs based on researcher consent, as well as reading, writing, and updating selected data such as affiliations and works directly in ORCID profiles,” explains Machová.
The growing number of integrations shows that ORCID is becoming embedded in institutional infrastructure rather than being used only at an individual level. Statistics from the National ORCID Centre also indicate a significant increase in its use. “Between June 2023 and February 2026, the number of researchers who linked their ORCID profile with institutional systems nearly doubled. This is not just about having an identifier, but about authorised connections enabling automated data updates,” Machová adds. At the same time, the volume of data recorded through institutional integrations has increased significantly. The number of works added to ORCID profiles has grown more than sixfold, and the number of recorded affiliations more than threefold. As of February 2026, the National ORCID Centre reports over 19 000 connected researchers, nearly 14 000 affiliations, and more than 134 000 works added via institutional integrations. These trends indicate a shift from individually managed profiles to more systematic institutional use.
ORCID in the research ecosystem
The expansion of ORCID iD in the Czech Republic is also part of a broader transformation in scholarly communication. In recent years, it has become a standard element in publishing and grant processes, often required or strongly recommended by publishers and funders. Research institutions are also gradually incorporating it into their internal policies.
Another indicator of growing adoption is its use in the national research information system IS VaVaI. Although ORCID iD is not mandatory, it is recommended and included where available. According to data from the 2025 reporting cycle, 23 468 out of 37 704 authors (approximately 62%) provided their ORCID iD. This confirms that the identifier is becoming a standard component of research reporting.
ORCID is not an isolated tool. Together with other persistent identifiers – such as DOI for publications and datasets, or ROR for institutions – it forms the foundation of an interoperable research information ecosystem. Only their combined use enables reliable identification of people, institutions, and research outputs across systems.
Reference: Linking an ORCID iD to Your e-INFRA CZ Account
*The CARDS project (Czech Academic and Research Discovery Services), project registration number CZ.02.01.01/00/22_004/0004342, is funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports under the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme.
