Persistent identifiers (PIDs) provide a stable, long-lasting way to uniquely identify digital objects, publications, researchers, institutions and more. They uniquely tag research items, making them citable, enduring and easier to find. 

Why do PIDs matter? 

  • Unique identification: PIDs are like passport numbers for research items. No two objects have the same PID. 
  • Improved access: By using PIDs, researchers can easily locate specific research objects. Whether it’s a journal paper, a dataset or a protocol, PIDs facilitate access and retrieval. 
  • Permanence: PIDs ensure your work endures, even as you transition between institutions or if a journal moves to a new publisher. 
  • Citation tracking: When researchers cite a specific work using its PID they ensure accurate attribution. This makes it easier for tools like Web of Science, Scopus and SciVal to find and track citation networks. 
  • Better connection: PIDs for papers, datasets and software create reliable links between these artifacts, enabling seamless navigation. 

Get started with PIDs 

  1. Claim your ORCID: Visit ORCID and secure your unique researcher ID. Use it consistently when you publish. 
  2. Attach PIDs to your scholarly outputs: This applies to datasets, software, conference presentations and more. Deposit your work in a reputable repository such as FigShare, Zenodo or Griffith Research Data to secure an appropriate PID. 
  3. Promote your PIDs: Mention your ORCID in your email signature, curriculum vitae and social profiles. 

Australian National Persistent Identifier (PID) Strategy and Roadmap 

The Australian Research Data Commons recently released the Australian National Persistent Identifier (PID) Strategy. The Strategy sets the vision to ‘accelerate Australian research quality, efficiency and impact through universal use of connected persistent identifiers’. 

The next step will be to develop a national roadmap through a co-design process. Stay informed and find out how to get involved by subscribing to the ARDC Connect newsletter. 

Find out more 

If you have any questions about how to make the most of PIDs, contact the Library.