A few readers of online research papers may have read something like:
https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx
Initially, it may appear as a hodgepodge of numbers and letters. However, this tiny piece of code is quite helpful in the academic publishing field. It is known as a DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
The DOI is used to identify a research paper. This provides readers with a way to locate the right paper even if the website changes or the paper is moved to another page on the website.
As a student, researcher, PhD scholar, or a person publishing a research paper for the first time, you might have queries such as:
- What is DOI in research paper?
- Why does a research paper need a DOI?
- How can I find the DOI of a research paper?
- Can I create a DOI myself?
- Does having a DOI mean a journal is Scopus indexed?
Let's learn all with a step-by-step approach and in simple terms.
What Does a DOI Look Like?
The format of a DOI typically begins with the prefix 10. and is followed by a suffix.
For example:
10.1234/abc.2026.001
It can be represented as:
https://doi.org/10.1234/abc.2026.001
The actual format may vary from one publisher to another. There may be some DOI numbers which include journal, article, or other information, or other DOI numbers may appear entirely different.
So, don't worry if two DOI numbers don't look the same. They can still operate the same.
How Does a DOI Work?
It's actually really easy.
A publisher can register a DOI to a research paper from a DOI registration agency once it is published in a journal.
Crossref is one of the popular registration agencies for academic publishing.
The DOI is connected with information about the paper, such as:
- Article title
- Author names
- Journal name
- Publication date
- Volume and issue
- Publisher
- Article webpage
This information is known as metadata.
The DOI system verifies the record when the reader clicks the DOI link and directs him/her to the current online version of the article.
The general procedure is as follows:
Research paper → Journal publishes it → DOI is registered → DOI is connected with article information → Reader uses DOI to find the paper
Why Is a DOI Important for Academic Publishing?
This is where a DOI comes into effect, not only for researchers, but also for readers.
1. It Gives Your Paper a Unique Identity
Many research papers can have similar titles or author names. Each registered research object is assigned an identifier called a DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
2. It Makes Your Paper Easier to Find
The DOI will enable readers to access the article without having to conduct a search on the entire website of the journal.
3. It Helps With Citations
If another researcher references your paper, the DOI provides him or her with a dependable mechanism for finding the specific paper.
4. It Supports Citation Tracking
A DOI enables scholarly systems to identify the specific research paper referenced. This can facilitate the linking of reference and research usage.
5. It Can Help With Long-Term Access
If the journal redirects or moves the article on its website, the DOI can be changed to redirect to the new location of the article.
Because of these, it is crucial that a DOI is included as a part of modern academic publishing.
DOI vs URL: What Is the Difference?
A lot of people believe that a DOI and a URL are the same. They are not.
The web address of a page is called a URL.
A DOI is an identifier that is assigned to a research object and is permanent.
For example:
URL:
https://journal.com/article/123
DOI:
10.1234/abc.123
The URL will indicate the current location of the article.
Each article has a DOI, which specifies the article you are discussing.
The URL of the website can be changed, but the DOI should remain linked to the same article.
.jpg (1).jpeg)
For example, a journal can have an ISSN, while each research article published in that journal may have its own DOI.
So, an ISSN and DOI are not the same thing.
What Is DOI Metadata?
The word metadata may sound technical, but the idea is simple.
Metadata is basically information about the research paper.
For example, metadata can include:
- Title of the paper
- Name of the author
- Journal name
- Publication date
- Volume and issue
- Publisher
- Article webpage
- References
DOI and Crossref: What Is the Connection?
Perhaps you've seen the name Crossref as you search for information on DOI.
One of the larger groups of publishers that assist publishers in registering DOIs for their publications is Crossref.
Information about an article is also submitted as metadata when registering it as an article in a publisher.
This enables the DOI to be linked to the right:
- Article
- Authors
- Journal
- Publication information
- Online location
Therefore, Crossref and DOI are closely related in the academic publishing of journals.
Is There Any Difference Between DOIs and ORCIDs?
No.
DOI vs ORCID: Are They the Same?
The DOI is an identifier for a research publication.
An ORCID is a unique identifier for a researcher.
It can be remembered as follows:
DOI = Which paper is this?
ORCID = Which researcher is this?
The ORCID, for instance, can differentiate between two different researchers with the same name.
A DOI, on the other hand, would identify a specific research paper.
These are beneficial if you are creating a good academic record.
How to Find DOI of a Research Paper
If you are looking about how to find DOI of research paper, fret not. It can be done via several simple methods.
1. Check the Research Paper
Open the PDF file of the paper and view the first page.
The DOI can be displayed close to the:
- Title
- Author details
- Journal information
- Header or footer
2. Check the Journal Website
Navigate to the site that the article came from.
The DOI is often provided in conjunction with the article's publication information.
3. Search Crossref
If a DOI is not provided, you can use a DOI lookup service like Crossref to search for the paper by title or author name.
4. Search Google Scholar
Search for the research paper's exact title.
After locating the right article, examine the article publication details, and search for the DOI.
5. Check Other Research Papers
The paper may have been previously cited by another researcher.
Check the reference list of those papers. That may include the DOI.
.jpg.jpeg)
How to Check if a DOI Is Correct
Not having a DOI is not a problem. Also, be sure it is the appropriate research paper.
It's easy to check:
Step 1: Copy the DOI.
Step 2: Add https://doi.org in front of it.
Step 3: Click on the link.
Step 4: Check the article title.
Step 5: Check the author names.
Step 6: Check the journal name.
If the DOI takes you to the correct paper, it is likely the right DOI to use.
If it does open another article, avoid using it. Return to the home page of the journal and verify its DOI again.
Some journals register DOIs for their articles, while others do not.
DOIs may also be lacking from older papers, as it was not possible to register or use DOIs when they were published.
Therefore, it is not necessarily the case that a paper without a DOI is not reliable.
If a journal states it has DOIs, however, it's prudent to determine whether the DOI is functional and takes you to the right article.
How to Get Digital Object Identifier for a Research Paper?
If you are an author and interested in obtaining a Digital Object Identifier for your paper, the answer is often as easy as:
It is usually passed on via the journal or the publisher.
Generally, a DOI is not created by the author.
Once your research paper is accepted and published by your publisher, the publisher can submit the article to the DOI Registration Agency for the DOI.
In case a paper is being submitted, please review the website of the journal to determine if it has a publishing system for DOI registration.
The process can be different for other types of research materials, for example, datasets or preprints, where there may be a platform or repository that deals with DOI registration.
Does Having a DOI Mean the Journal Is Scopus Indexed?
No.
This is one of the most crucial aspects that a researcher should know.
A DOI only serves to identify a research publication. It does not establish that the journal is included in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, or other databases.
A DOI is not necessarily:
- The journal is Scopus indexed
- The journal is Web of Science indexed
- The paper is peer reviewed
- The journal has an Impact Factor
- The research is high quality
- Journal articles
- Research datasets
- Conference papers
- Conference proceedings
- Reports
- Books
- Book chapters
- Preprints
Not all research items will have a DOI, as it will depend on the publisher, repository, or platform that publishes the item.
Therefore, DOI should not be interpreted as solely an attribute of journal articles.
.jpg.jpeg)
Common DOI Mistakes Researchers Should Avoid
If you're new to academic publishing, here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
Mistake 1: Confusing DOI with ISSN
An ISSN will identify a journal. Generally, a DOI is used to identify a particular research object.
Mistake 2: Assuming DOI Means Scopus Indexing
A DOI is not an indicator of indexing.
Mistake 3: Copying the Wrong DOI
Always click on the DOI and make sure it is a link to the right article.
Mistake 4: Typing the DOI Incorrectly
If one letter or number is missing, it will not be usable.
Final Thoughts
A DOI may look like a complicated code when you first see it, but the basic idea is quite simple.
A Digital Object Identifier gives a research publication a unique and persistent identity.
For researchers, it can make papers easier to find, cite, and identify. It can also help keep a connection to a paper even when a journal changes its website.
But remember one important point:
A DOI identifies a research paper; it does not prove that the paper or journal is high quality.
If you are publishing a paper, always check your DOI carefully, make sure it opens the correct article, and don't confuse DOI with ISSN, indexing, peer review, or Impact Factor.
Once you understand these basics, using DOI in research and academic publishing becomes much easier.