How To Modify ROR Record Information For Ecole Française De Rome
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to modify information in an existing Research Organization Registry (ROR) record, specifically focusing on the Ecole française de Rome (https://ror.org/049b5m346). Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information in the ROR is crucial for ensuring the discoverability and credibility of research institutions worldwide. This guide will walk you through the process of requesting a modification, detailing the necessary steps and information required to update a ROR record effectively.
Understanding the Importance of Accurate ROR Records
The Research Organization Registry (ROR) serves as a global, open registry of research organizations. It provides unique identifiers (ROR IDs) for institutions, facilitating the consistent identification of organizations across various research systems and platforms. Accurate ROR records are essential for several reasons:
- Discoverability: Correct information ensures that researchers, funders, and other stakeholders can easily find and identify your organization.
- Data Integrity: Up-to-date records contribute to the overall integrity of research data, making it more reliable and reproducible.
- Interoperability: Accurate ROR IDs enable seamless integration of organizational information across different databases and systems.
- Impact Assessment: Reliable data is crucial for assessing the impact of research and tracking institutional contributions.
- Funding and Grants: Many funding agencies and grant systems rely on ROR IDs to accurately track funding allocations and research outcomes.
Ensuring the information in your organization's ROR record is accurate is a vital task for any research institution. This not only enhances the organization's visibility but also supports the broader research community by contributing to a more reliable and interconnected research ecosystem.
Steps to Modify an Existing ROR Record
Modifying an existing ROR record involves a straightforward process, typically initiated by submitting a request to the ROR community. This section outlines the necessary steps and provides guidance on how to complete the request effectively. We will use the example of the Ecole française de Rome to illustrate this process.
1. Identifying the Need for Modification
Before initiating a modification request, it is crucial to identify precisely which part of the record needs to be changed. This may include updating the organization's name, website, aliases, labels, acronyms, related organizations, city, country, or other relevant information. In the case of the Ecole française de Rome (ROR ID: https://ror.org/049b5m346), the identified issue is an incorrect website link. The current link in the ROR record needs to be updated to the correct website address: www.efrome.it.
Regularly reviewing your organization's ROR record is a good practice to ensure that all details are accurate and current. Common reasons for updates include changes in website URLs, organizational names, contact information, and affiliations.
2. Gathering the Necessary Information
To submit a modification request, you will need to gather all relevant information about the changes required. This typically includes:
- Name of Organization: The full, official name of the organization (e.g., Ecole française de Rome).
- ROR ID: The unique ROR identifier for the organization (https://ror.org/049b5m346).
- Specific Part of the Record to Change: Clearly identify which field needs to be updated (e.g., website URL).
- Description of Change: Provide a detailed explanation of the modification required (e.g., "The current link to the website is incorrect. Please change it to www.efrome.it.").
Having this information readily available will streamline the submission process and help ensure that your request is processed efficiently.
3. Submitting the Modification Request
Modification requests are typically submitted through a designated channel, such as a community forum, email, or an online form provided by the ROR. The ROR community encourages users to engage in discussions and provide feedback, ensuring that updates are accurate and beneficial to the broader research community. In this instance, the request is submitted under the ror-updates discussion category, indicating that it pertains to updating an existing ROR record.
When submitting your request, be as clear and concise as possible. Provide all necessary details and any supporting documentation if applicable. This helps the ROR team understand the request and process it without delay.
4. Review and Confirmation
Once the modification request is submitted, the ROR team or community moderators will review the request. This review process ensures that the proposed changes are accurate, valid, and align with the ROR's guidelines and data standards. The review may involve verifying the information against authoritative sources, such as the organization's official website or other reputable databases.
After the review, if the modification is approved, the ROR record will be updated accordingly. You may receive a confirmation notification or be able to view the updated record directly on the ROR website.
Additional Scenarios for Modifying ROR Records
While the Ecole française de Rome example focuses on updating a website URL, there are several other scenarios where modifying a ROR record may be necessary. Understanding these scenarios can help you anticipate potential updates and ensure your organization's information remains accurate.
1. Name Changes
If your organization undergoes a name change due to a merger, rebranding, or other reasons, it is essential to update the ROR record. This includes updating the official name, aliases, and any acronyms or abbreviations associated with the organization. Providing historical context for the name change can also be helpful for maintaining data accuracy.
2. Changes in Location
If your organization relocates its primary address or establishes new campuses or branches, the ROR record should be updated to reflect these changes. This includes updating the city, country, and Geonames ID associated with the organization. Accurate location information is crucial for understanding the geographical distribution of research activities.
3. Updates to Organizational Structure
Changes in organizational structure, such as mergers, splits, or affiliations, may require updates to the ROR record. This may involve merging multiple records, splitting a single record into multiple records, or deprecating outdated records. Clearly documenting the relationships between organizations and the rationale for these changes is essential for maintaining data integrity.
4. Adding or Updating Identifiers
The ROR record may include various identifiers, such as Wikidata IDs, ISNI IDs, GRID IDs, and Crossref Funder IDs. If your organization obtains new identifiers or if existing identifiers need to be updated, the ROR record should be modified accordingly. These identifiers help link the organization to other databases and systems, enhancing interoperability and data discoverability.
5. Changes in Organization Type
The ROR record includes an organization type, which categorizes the institution (e.g., university, research institute, company). If your organization's type changes, the ROR record should be updated to reflect this. Accurate categorization helps users filter and analyze data based on organizational type.
Best Practices for Maintaining ROR Records
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date ROR records is an ongoing process. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your organization's information remains reliable and accessible:
- Regularly Review Your Record: Schedule periodic reviews of your ROR record to identify any outdated or incorrect information.
- Stay Informed about ROR Updates: Keep abreast of any changes to the ROR's policies, procedures, or data standards.
- Engage with the ROR Community: Participate in discussions and provide feedback to help improve the registry.
- Document Changes: Maintain a record of any modifications made to your ROR record, including the date, description of changes, and the person responsible.
- Provide Clear and Concise Information: When submitting modification requests, be as clear and concise as possible, providing all necessary details and supporting documentation.
By adhering to these best practices, you can contribute to the overall quality and reliability of the ROR, benefiting your organization and the broader research community.
Conclusion
Modifying information in an existing ROR record is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy and discoverability of research organizations. The example of updating the website link for the Ecole française de Rome illustrates a straightforward yet essential process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, including identifying the need for modification, gathering necessary information, submitting the request, and reviewing the confirmation, organizations can effectively maintain their ROR records.
Moreover, understanding the various scenarios where modifications may be required, such as name changes, location updates, organizational restructuring, and identifier additions, is vital for proactive record management. Adhering to best practices, such as regular reviews, community engagement, and clear documentation, further enhances the reliability and accessibility of ROR data.
In conclusion, accurate ROR records are fundamental to the research ecosystem, facilitating data integrity, interoperability, and impact assessment. By actively managing and updating their ROR records, research organizations contribute to a more connected and reliable research landscape, ultimately benefiting the global research community.