AAG Unplugged: Get An ORCID
April showers bring May flowers and May 2025 brings ORCIDs for all senior and key personnel. Of course we don’t mean flowers, but Open Research and Contributor IDs (ORCID). The most recent episode of All About Grants focused on this identifier and the impact it has for NIH grant applicants. In this AAG Unplugged we summarize the episode with a focus on implications for those who might not have a traditional scientific background; like members of your SBIR/STTR application team.
Key Speakers
Let’s meet the experts who contributed to this episode:
David Kosub, NIH Office of Extramural Research
Dr. Bart Trawick, Head of the Customer Services Section, National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Library of Medicine
Key Takeaways
Takeaway 1: Get Your ORCID
ORCID serves as a persistent identifier that connects you to your research publications, grants, and other scholarly activities. Simply put, it's like a digital fingerprint that connects all of your scholarly work together.
Even if you are not a lead researcher, you’ll still want an ORCID as an SBIR/STTR applicant. In addition to becoming mandatory in May 2025, there are other benefits to having your ORCID.
Streamlines the Application Process: ORCID simplifies the grant application process. Information from your ORCID profile can pre-populate forms, saving you valuable time and effort.
Enhances Credibility: ORCID provides a transparent and verifiable record of your research contributions, building credibility with reviewers and demonstrating your expertise.
Facilitates Collaboration: ORCID can connect you with other researchers, collaborators, and potential partners within the scientific community.
Demonstrates Integrity: Even if your primary role in an SBIR/STTR venture isn't solely research-focused (e.g., CEO, CTO), having an ORCID demonstrates your commitment to scientific integrity and professionalism.
Takeaway 2: Getting an ORCID is straightforward
Getting an ORCID identifier is easy, free, and beneficial for all NIH applicants and researchers.
Dr. Trawick urged researchers to start using ORCID identifiers now, even before the May 2025 requirement date. He touted the virtues of being an early adopter, saying ”try it now. If you have any questions, you can check out the ORCID website for help. You can contact our help desk. You're going to be way ahead of the game, and you're going to start enjoying the benefits much sooner than everybody else,.
If you’re looking to be an early adopter, head over to the ORCID website and create your profile. It's as simple as setting up any other online account. The website also offers extensive documentation to help you best understand ORCIDs.
Part of the BHGC Advantage is our full-service approach to SBIR/STTR grant applications. We ensure that all appropriate registrations and logins are accounted for before you wade too deep into the application process. If you’re exploring whether you need your ORCID yet or just generally feel you are ready to advance on your SBIR/STTR journey, schedule a free consultation with us to discuss how we can work together to secure the funding your innovation requires.