Introduction
In the digital age, scholarly literature, data, software, researchers, and institutions are interconnected elements of a vast global knowledge graph. To navigate, trace, and assess this network, we require unbreakable digital links. These are Persistent Identifiers (PIDs)—globally unique, long-lasting, and machine-actionable keys that point to specific digital or physical entities.
The Primary Pillars: ORCID, DOI, and ROR
The scholarly PID infrastructure rests on three key pillars: 1. ORCID iDs for researchers, resolving name ambiguity. 2. Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for outputs like publications, datasets, and software. 3. ROR IDs for research institutions. Together, these identifiers link WHO did WHAT and WHERE, creating a completely transparent record of academic effort.
Resolving Links and the PID Graph
A PID must resolve to a landing page or metadata record via a standardized protocol. If a web domain changes, the organization managing the PID updates the registry, ensuring that the identifier link never breaks (no more ‘404 File Not Found’ errors). The relationships between these PIDs form the ‘PID Graph’, allowing advanced queries like tracking all papers funded by a specific grant that utilized a specific database.
Implementing a Comprehensive Institutional PID Strategy
For universities and research institutions, a cohesive PID strategy is essential. This includes integrating ORCID registry APIs, demanding ROR identifiers on submission forms, and assigning DataCite or Crossref DOIs to all digital repository deposits. Doing so ensures institutional research is fully indexable, discoverable, and attributable globally.
Key Comparison Matrix
| PID Type | Target Entity | Primary Registry | Resolution Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCID iD | Researchers / Contributors | ORCID | https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1825-0097 |
| DOI | Publications, Data, Software | Crossref / DataCite | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.01.001 |
| ROR ID | Research Institutions | ROR | https://ror.org/013me1e72 |
| RAiD | Research Projects / Activities | ARDC / Surfsara | https://raid.org/10.25.1.1/abc123 |
Five Essential PID Actions for Research Administrators
- Audit existing institutional records to ensure ORCID, ROR, and DOIs are present.
- Mandate the use of ORCID iDs for all university researchers and academic staff.
- Configure repository software (e.g., DSpace, Samvera) to auto-mint DOIs for new datasets.
- Ensure all institutional data sharing plans specify the use of persistent identifiers.
- Educate staff on the importance of linking funding identifiers (Grant DOIs) to publication metadata.
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