Documentation
Everything you need to know about using ArkID, the Universal Research Identity Platform
For the most up-to-date documentation, visit our GitHub Documentation Repository
Getting Started
What is ArkID?
ArkID is the Universal Research Identity Platform that issues standardized ISO-27729 identifiers for the complete research innovation chain—ideas, researchers, projects, organizations, and products. Each entity receives a unique, ISO 27729-compliant identifier that can be accessed via a user-friendly URL:
https://arkid.researchark.eu/{arkid}ArkID creates an open, sovereign, identifier infrastructure for Europe's research and innovation ecosystem, enabling traceability and verification across previously disconnected domains.
ID Types and Format
ArkID provides six standardized identifier types following the ISO 27729 format with entity-specific prefixes:
ARKI-0000-0000-1122-3344ARKU-0000-0000-2783-9273ARKP-0000-0000-3943-2198ARKO-0000-0000-5129-3847ARKD-0000-0000-6677-8899ARKF-0000-0000-1234-567XEach ArkID contains a 16-digit numerical value with the 16th digit calculated as a check digit using the ISO 27729 modulus 11 algorithm, providing built-in validation capability.
Integration with External IDs
ArkID seamlessly integrates with major research identification systems:
Verification Process
Initial Registration
Submit basic information and credentials. For organizations, provide official registration documents.
Identity Verification
Verification through institutional email, ORCID authentication, or organizational credentials.
Credential Validation
Validation of professional credentials, affiliations, and external identifiers.
Ongoing Verification
Regular verification of active status and updates to maintain data accuracy.
W3C Verifiable Credentials
ArkID is introducing W3C Verifiable Credentials to provide tamper-proof verification of research entity relationships with cryptographic proofs. This roadmap feature will ensure the integrity and authenticity of identity claims across the research ecosystem.
Schema Reference
Explore hand-crafted reference pages for each ArkID JSON Schema. Every guide highlights core fields, EC alignment, and recommended usage patterns so you can model data confidently without leaving the documentation site.
Usage Guidelines
Best Practices
- •Always use the complete ArkID when referencing entities
- •Include ArkIDs in research publications and grant applications
- •Link ArkIDs to corresponding external identifiers (ORCID, DOI, etc.)
- •Keep entity information up to date
- •Use ArkIDs to trace relationships across the entire research innovation chain
URL Resolution
All ArkIDs can be resolved via our public URL resolver. Simply append the ArkID to the base URL:
https://arkid.researchark.eu/ARKU-0000-0000-2783-9273Data Privacy and Sovereignty
ArkID is designed with privacy and EU data sovereignty in mind. Granular visibility controls are being rolled out; until then, registered data is exposed through the public resolver by default. All data is hosted within the EU, and all processing complies with GDPR requirements.
Infrastructure and Governance
ArkID is built on open-source components with EU-based hosting and governance presently stewarded by MycelArk UG (haftungsbeschränkt). The stewardship charter explicitly supports global adoption while preparing a German e.V. foundation transition. The system utilizes PostgreSQL's relational model for relationship tracking (graph extensions are being evaluated) and stock Keycloak for identity management.
Additional Documentation
For more detailed technical documentation, specifications, schemas, and integration guides, please visit our GitHub repository: