ORCiD is a persistent, unique digital identifier which enables individual researchers to distinguish their work from that of other researchers, as well as claim all of their own research outputs, even if those outputs were published under a different name. Registration for ORCiD is free, and not linked to any institutional logins, meaning researchers can retain their ORCiD identifier if they move from one institution to another. Using ORCiD promotes open science as it is possible to link all kinds of research outputs -- including data, preprints, conference presentations, and publications in non-scholarly journals -- under the same ORCiD identifier.

Increasingly, an ORCiD identifier is required throughout different stages of the research lifecycle, including when applying for grants and submitting manuscripts for publication.