Research Guides: Researcher Profiles &amp; IDs: Overview

Purpose

A researcher profile is an online record of your scholarly output. Just as a DOI is a unique identifier for a single article, a researcher profile is a unique identifier for one researcher.

Several tools allow you to create and maintain a profile, including ORCID, ResearcherID from Web of Science, and Google Scholar profiles. They serve several functions:

Build your online presence so scholars, funders, journalists, and students can find you and your work.
Ensure that you are credited for all of your scholarship.
Make it easier to track all your publications.
Some allow you to track metrics of publications to monitor the scope and reach of your work.

Recommended Platforms & Tools

ORCID
The most important tool in managing your online identity. Connects with Web of Science.
ResearcherID
A unique identifier for researchers on Publons, Web of Science, and InCites.
Google Scholar
Create an identity by clicking "My Profile." This creates a link for your name in Google Scholar and brings together all your research on one page.
SMU Scholar
Showcases SMU’s research and scholarly achievements by providing open access to research, publications, conferences, and other scholarly works of the SMU academic community.
Figshare
A repository where users can make all of their research outputs available in a citable, shareable and discoverable manner.
Impactstory Profiles
Create a profile in order to track social media and other related traffic that relates or engages with your research and work.
ResearchGate
A social sharing tool for researchers that can help you promote your work and find collaborators. Make sure to check your author agreement before posting copyrighted work.

Need more help?

Scholarship & Research Support
Consultations, support, and tools to help researchers.

Related Guides

Author Rights & Copyright
SMU Libraries Copyright team
Find Places to Publish
Guide
Measure Scholarly Impact
Guide