FAQ

FAQ for the use of RORs in the Helmholtz Association

Who is this document for?

For Helmholtz stakeholders who are expected to introduce and use ROR:

  • Centre management designates responsible persons and ensures that the ROR is published.

  • Data stewards / repository teams / developers implement ROR in metadata and systems.

  • In general, we recommend that all data infrastructures and repositories use ROR.
    (earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de)

What is ROR?

The Research Organization Registry is a community-driven, open registry for persistent identifiers of research organizations. Data and IDs are open using a CC0 license. (earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de)

What is ROR used for?

For the unambiguous referencing of organizations in metadata (e.g. datasets, publications, instruments), for interoperability/linking with ORCID, DataCite, Crossref, and for automated harvesting/reporting. (earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de)

Which organization operates ROR?

ROR is jointly operated by the California Digital Library, Crossref, and DataCite (governance, operations, resources).
(Research Organization Registry (ROR))

Why is the use of ROR important for the Helmholtz Association?

It supports FAIR interoperability, prevents name variants and confusion, improves quality and reuse, and facilitates cross-centre linking.
(earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de)

Where and how is ROR registered?

Centres check their entries on ror.org and have missing/incorrect entries created or corrected via the ROR curation form.
(earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de, Research Organization Registry (ROR))

Who is responsible for maintaining the ROR records of centres and organizations?

Centre management designates a responsible person/unit (e.g. library, RDM, outreach). Repositories/data stewards treat ROR as the “source of truth” and report irregularities; formal changes are implemented by the ROR curation team.
(earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de, ror.readme.io)

Where and how do I change ROR records?

Via the public curation request form (to request creation/changes; reviewed by ROR curators, status can be tracked).
(Research Organization Registry (ROR))

How do I know the ROR of a particular centre or organization?

We recommend that all Helmholtz centres include their ROR in a standardized way in the imprint/on the organisation’s website as part of the address.
(Research Organization Registry (ROR), earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de)

Search on ror.org for the name of the centre; ideally, centres publish their ROR.

How can I find out which organization is behind a particular ROR?

Open the ROR landing page/API for the respective ROR ID; it lists name, type, locations, relationships, etc.
(ror.readme.io)

Who “owns” a ROR record?

ROR records are part of an open, community-curated registry; data and IDs are under CC0 – there is no “ownership” by individual organizations.
(earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de, Research Organization Registry (ROR))

Are there alternatives to ROR?

Yes, but with limitations: ISNI, national authority files (e.g. GND, LCNAF, SUDOC), internal IDs; GRID is historical and has been deprecated. The wiki recommends ROR as the standard.
(earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de)