Request a DOI for your work

• The work must be affiliated with the University, either through creation by a member of our academic community or created via an affiliated project or centre.
• A copy of the output must be deposited in the Edinburgh Research Archive. The work can also be published on a different University website, but the Library requires a version to be deposited in ERA.  
• The work must not already have been assigned a DOI, or be eligible for a DOI via another service. For example:
  • If you are publishing your work through a publisher, then the publisher may assign a DOI.
  • Research data must be deposited with Edinburgh DataShare and will be assigned a DOI as part of that service.

We would recommend that you assign DOIs to any text-based object that you would like to have a stable web address to enable citation, and usage tracking via services like Altmetrics. Types of document could include, but are not limited to:

• Project reports
• Briefing papers
• Handbooks
• Conference contributions (e.g. posters or slides)
• Case Studies

Logging in

Only University of Edinburgh members with University login credentials are eligible to deposit content to the Edinburgh Research Archive.

1. Point a browser window to the Edinburgh Research Archive
2. Once there, find the "Log In" button (underneath the University logo in the top right).
3. Use your University login credentials.

Choose a Collection

All new items must be deposited into a Collection. A Collection may contain more than one item relating to a research area, theme or group. Collections are further grouped into Communities which usually reflects projects, Schools and organisational units within the University. The hierarchical structure in ERA is: Community > Collection > Item

The aim of grouping datasets in Collections and Communities is to help users find and browse related items. When submitting your content to ERA you should identify a suitable collection to hold your data. If none exists then we can easily set up a new collection for you ( by emailing openaccess@ed.ac.uk).

Describe and upload files

1. Navigate to the appropriate collection and click on "Submit a new item to this collection", or the use Add new submission button on the Right-Hand side navigation
2. Describe your item. Complete as many metadata fields as possible. During the submission process you may "Save & Exit" at any time, or continue to the "Next" step. You may return to previously saved items by clicking on "Submissions" (under "My Account").
3. Upload your item. Include all the files and documentation needed to make the item understandable and re-usable.
4. Review your item. Check the item metadata and files , and correct any errors.
5. Submit your item. When your item is ready click on "Complete submission" and wait for confirmation. An administrator will moderate your submission. 

The Scholarly Communications Team check all submitted items and we aim to have a turnaround of 24 hours. If you need something quickly please get in touch with us and we can help.

When your item is approved, an automatic email will be sent to you by the system with details of the ERA web address. The DOI is not generated immediately as the system has to register the item with the DataCite agency.

We have an hourly automated process where ERA submits the data for DOI registration. The persistent identifier (DOI) will be issued at the top of the next hour after approval. You can check on the item page to see if this has happened.