Scopus Author Search: How to Find and Correct Your Author Profile

A Scopus author search helps you find a researcher’s profile, publications, and citation information in Scopus. You can also use it to check whether Scopus has linked the correct papers to your name.

An accurate Scopus author profile matters because universities, funding bodies, research partners, and other scholars may use it to review your work. However, Scopus automatically builds author profiles. As a result, your profile may contain errors.

For example, Scopus may:

• Divide your publications between two profiles
• Add another researcher’s paper to your profile
• Leave out one of your publications
• Show an old affiliation
• Display the wrong version of your name

Fortunately, Scopus allows researchers to request corrections.

In this guide, you will learn how to:

• Search for an author in Scopus
• Identify the correct profile
• Find a Scopus Author ID
• Review publications and citation details
• Merge duplicate profiles
• Add missing documents
• Remove incorrect documents
• Update a name or affiliation
• Connect a Scopus profile to ORCID

New to scholarly publishing? Read our guide explaining what an academic journal is and how journal publishing works.

What Is Scopus Author Search?

Scopus author search is a feature that helps users find researchers whose work appears in the Scopus database.

A normal document search focuses on research papers, article titles or subject areas. In contrast, an author search focuses on the individual researcher.

You can search with details such as:

• Last name
• First name
• Initials
• Institutional affiliation
• ORCID

Adding more details usually improves the results. For instance, an affiliation can help you separate two researchers who share the same name.

After you select a result, Scopus may show the author’s:

• Name and name variations
• Current or previous affiliations
• Subject areas
• Indexed publications
• Co-authors
• Citation information
• Scopus Author ID
• ORCID, when connected

Therefore, the author search provides a useful starting point for checking how Scopus represents a researcher.

What Is a Scopus Author Profile?

A Scopus author profile is a record of a researcher’s publishing activity within Scopus.

Scopus creates these profiles from information supplied by publishers. It then compares details such as:

• Author names
• Email addresses
• Affiliations
• Subject areas
• Citations
• Co-authors

This process helps Scopus connect publications to the correct researcher.

However, the system may not always make the correct match. Researchers may use different initials, change institutions or publish under different versions of their names. In addition, two researchers may have identical names.

Consequently, you should not assume that every Scopus author profile is complete or correct.

Researchers do not usually create these profiles themselves. Instead, Scopus generates them from indexed publications. Researchers can then review their profiles and request corrections when necessary.

Why Is Your Scopus Author Profile Important?

An accurate profile gives readers a clearer view of your research record.

For example, universities and other organizations may examine publication and citation information during:

• Academic promotion reviews
• Grant applications
• Institutional evaluations
• Collaboration searches
• Research performance assessments
• Author and subject searches

In addition, other researchers may use your profile to find your work or assess whether your research interests match theirs.

An incorrect profile can create several problems. For example:

• Your publication total may appear lower than it should be.
• Duplicate profiles may divide your citation count.
• Another person’s paper may appear under your name.
• Your current university may not appear.
• Potential collaborators may struggle to identify your work.
• Decision-makers may see an incomplete research record.

Therefore, you should check your profile from time to time. You should pay particular attention after you publish a new article, change institutions or change the name you use for publishing.

How to Perform a Scopus Author Search

Follow these steps to find an author in Scopus.

1. Open the Scopus search page

First, visit the official Scopus website.

Scopus provides a preview version, although access to some records and tools may require a personal or institutional subscription.

Whenever possible, use the official Scopus website rather than an unofficial author-search service.

2. Select Author Search

Next, choose the Authors or Author Search option.

Do not use Document Search when your main goal is to find a researcher’s profile.

Scopus may update its interface from time to time. Therefore, the wording or location of the author option may change slightly.

3. Enter the author’s details

Now enter the information you know.

Start with the author’s surname. Then add the first name, initials, affiliation or ORCID when available.

For example, a researcher may publish as:

• John A. Smith
• John Smith
• J. A. Smith
• J. Smith

Try more than one variation when the first search does not produce the correct result.

Also, consider searching with a former institution. Scopus may still connect older publications to the author’s previous affiliation.

4. Review the results carefully

Scopus may return several researchers with similar names.

Therefore, do not choose a profile based on the name alone. Instead, compare the supporting information.

Check details such as:

• Current or previous institution
• Research subject
• Recent publications
• Co-authors
• Country
• ORCID
• Department

For example, two people may share the name “A. Kumar.” However, one may study engineering while the other works in public health. Their subject areas, institutions, and co-authors will help you identify the correct person.

5. Open the most likely profile

Finally, select the result that best matches the researcher.

Then review the profile in detail. Check the publication list, affiliations, co-authors and subject areas.

If you are checking your own profile, make a note of any errors before you start a correction request.

How to Find a Scopus Author ID

A Scopus Author ID is a unique number that Scopus assigns to an author profile.

To find it:

1. Perform a Scopus author search.
2. Select the correct researcher.
3. Open the author details page.
4. Look for the Scopus Author Identifier or Scopus Author ID.

You may also see the identifier in the profile’s web address.

The Author ID helps Scopus distinguish researchers with similar names. However, a researcher may sometimes have multiple IDs because Scopus has created duplicate profiles.

In that case, the researcher can request a profile merger.

Scopus Author ID vs ORCID

A Scopus Author ID and an ORCID both help identify researchers. However, they do not serve exactly the same purpose.

Scopus Author ID

A Scopus Author ID:

• Comes from Scopus
• Connects to a Scopus author profile
• Covers publications indexed in Scopus
• Helps separate authors within the Scopus database
• May change after Scopus merges duplicate profiles

ORCID

An ORCID:

• Belongs to the researcher
• Works across many publishers and research platforms
• Remains with the researcher throughout their career
• Can include work that Scopus does not cover
• Uses a 16-digit identifier

Therefore, the two identifiers complement each other.

You can connect your Scopus profile to ORCID. This connection can help readers confirm your identity. It may also allow you to transfer publication information from Scopus to your ORCID record.

How to Check Your Scopus Author Profile

Once you find your profile, review each section carefully.

Check your name

First, check the preferred name at the top of the profile.

Then review the other name variations connected to your publications.

Different journals may format names differently. For example, one publisher may use your full middle name, while another may use only an initial.

Small differences do not always indicate a problem. However, you should request a correction when Scopus displays an unsuitable preferred name.

Check your affiliation

Next, check your current and previous affiliations.

Keep in mind that Scopus gathers affiliation information from indexed publications. Therefore, a new position may not appear until Scopus indexes a paper that includes your new institution.

Still, you should request a correction when the profile presents misleading or incorrect information.

Check every publication

Review the document, list one item at a time.

Look for:

• Missing journal articles
• Missing conference papers
• Missing book chapters
• Papers written by someone else
• Duplicate documents
• Publications linked to the wrong profile

Do not rely only on the title. Instead, check the authors, journal, year, affiliation, and subject.

Check citation information

Next, review the citation details connected to your documents.

A duplicate profile may divide your papers and citations between two records. As a result, neither profile will show your complete publication history.

Citation totals may also take time to update after Scopus corrects a profile.

Check co-authors and subject areas

Finally, review the co-authors and subjects you listed.

These sections often quickly reveal incorrect documents.

For example, a publication may not belong to you when:

• You do not recognize any of the co-authors.
• The subject has no connection to your research.
• The listed institution has no connection to you.
• The author’s full name differs from yours.

However, examine the complete record before you request removal.

Common Scopus Author Profile Problems

Several issues can affect a Scopus author profile.

Duplicate profiles

Scopus may create more than one profile for the same researcher.

This problem often happens when an author:

• Uses different versions of their name
• Changes institutions
• Publishes with different email addresses
• Uses more than one spelling or transliteration
• Works across several subject areas

For example, Scopus may list “Maria L. Santos” and “M. Santos” as separate profiles, even though both names refer to the same person.

As a result, the researcher’s publications and citations may appear across two Author IDs.

Missing publications

If the document does not appear in Scopus, first learn how to check whether a journal is indexed in Scopus and review its coverage years.

A publication may not appear on your profile for several reasons.

For instance:

• Scopus may have linked it to another profile.
• Scopus may not yet have indexed the document.
• The journal may not have supplied complete metadata.
• The journal or document may not fall within Scopus coverage.

First, search for the article title directly in Scopus. If the document appears but does not connect to your profile, you can request that Scopus add it.

However, if Scopus does not index the document, you cannot add it through a profile correction.

Incorrect publications

Sometimes, Scopus adds another person’s paper to your profile.

This problem commonly affects researchers with similar names.

Before you request removal, compare:

• The full author name
• Co-authors
• Affiliation
• Subject
• Publication date
• Journal title

These details will help you confirm whether the document truly belongs to another researcher.

Outdated affiliation

Your profile may display a previous institution instead of your current one.

This does not always mean that Scopus has made an error. Scopus uses the affiliations that appear on your indexed publications. Therefore, your latest affiliation may not appear until a new paper includes it.

Nevertheless, you can use the correction process when the profile presents the wrong preferred affiliation.

Incorrect preferred name

Scopus may display a version of your name that you do not normally use.

For instance, it may display initials when you prefer your full name.

You can request a preferred-name update through the Scopus Author Feedback Wizard.

How to Correct a Scopus Author Profile

Scopus provides an Author Feedback Wizard for profile corrections.

You can use it to request changes such as:

• Selecting a preferred name
• Updating a preferred affiliation
• Adding a document
• Removing a document
• Merging duplicate profiles
• Adding or removing preprints

Scopus reviews each request before it changes the public profile. Therefore, you may not see the correction immediately.

How to open the Author Feedback Wizard

Follow these general steps:

1. Find your Scopus author profile.
2. Open the author details page.
3. Select Edit profile.
4. State whether you are the author or represent the author.
5. Continue to the Author Feedback Wizard.
6. Choose the correction you need.
7. Review the proposed changes.
8. Submit your request.

Scopus may adjust the names or positions of these controls when it updates the website.

How to Merge Duplicate Scopus Profiles

Request a merger when two or more Scopus profiles belong to you.

First, open each profile and confirm that its publications belong to the same researcher.

Then record:

• Each Scopus Author ID
• The publications on each profile
• Any documents that do not belong to you
• Your preferred name
• Your preferred affiliation

Next, open the Author Feedback Wizard and choose the option to merge profiles.

Review the combined document list carefully before you submit the request. In particular, remove any paper that belongs to someone else.

After Scopus approves the merger, it should combine the relevant publications into a single profile. However, citation figures and other metrics may take additional time to update.

Do not request a merger simply because two profiles have similar names. Always confirm that they belong to the same person.

How to Add a Missing Publication

First, search Scopus for the missing paper.

You can search with:

• The article title
• DOI
• Scopus document identifier
• PubMed ID
• Author name

If you find the paper in Scopus, follow these steps:

1. Open your author profile.
2. Select Edit profile.
3. Open the Author Feedback Wizard.
4. Go to the documents section.
5. Search for the missing paper.
6. Select the correct document.
7. Confirm your author name on the paper.
8. Add the document to your request.
9. Review and submit the change.

The paper must already exist in Scopus.

Therefore, you cannot use this method to add a paper from a journal or document that Scopus does not cover.

How to Remove an Incorrect Publication

Follow these steps when a paper on your profile belongs to another researcher:

1. Open your Scopus author profile.
2. Select Edit profile.
3. Enter the Author Feedback Wizard.
4. Open the documents section.
5. Locate the incorrect paper.
6. Choose the option to remove it.
7. Review the request.
8. Submit the correction.

Before you remove the paper, check the complete record. A shortened title or different author format can sometimes make your own work look unfamiliar.

How to Update Your Name or Affiliation

You can also use the Author Feedback Wizard to request a new preferred name or affiliation.

To request the change:

1. Open your author profile.
2. Select Edit profile.
3. Go to the author’s details section.
4. Select your preferred name.
5. Choose the correct affiliation when available.
6. Review the information.
7. Submit the request.

In addition, use consistent details when you submit future manuscripts.

Researchers planning to publish with IJMRASFP should also review the Authors’ Guidelines before preparing their manuscripts.

Always check that your manuscript includes:

• The correct spelling of your name
• Your complete institutional affiliation
• Your current email address
• Your ORCID
• Accurate co-author information

Accurate submission details can reduce future profile errors.

How to Connect a Scopus Profile to ORCID

Connecting Scopus to ORCID can help other people identify you correctly.

To connect the profiles:

1. Open your Scopus author details page.
2. Select Connect to ORCID.
3. Sign in to your ORCID account.
4. Create an ORCID account if you do not already have one.
5. Follow the instructions to approve the connection.
6. Choose whether to send Scopus publications to ORCID.

You may also find the ORCID connection option within the profile-editing area.

After you connect the accounts, review both records. Make sure they display the correct publications and personal details.

How to Maintain an Accurate Scopus Profile

Correcting your profile once may not solve every future problem. Therefore, follow these practices to keep it accurate.

Use one version of your name

Use the same author name whenever possible.

For example, avoid switching repeatedly between:

• Mary A. Johnson
• Mary Johnson
• M. A. Johnson
• M. Johnson

A consistent name makes it easier for publishers, databases, and readers to connect your work.

Include your ORCID

Add your ORCID when a journal submission system allows it.

ORCID provides publishers and databases with another way to identify you accurately.

Use an institutional email address

Use your official institutional email when possible.

This email can help connect you with your university or research organization.

Check your publication proofs

Before publication, check your:

• Name
• Affiliation
• Department
• Email address
• ORCID
• Co-author information

Ask the publisher to correct any errors before it releases the final article.

Authors can also review IJMRASFP’s publication processes and ethics before submitting their work.

Review your profile regularly

Check your Scopus profile after:

• Scopus indexes a new article
• You change institutions
• You change your publishing name
• You notice an unexpected change in your metrics
• You prepare a grant or promotion application

Regular checks help you find errors before they affect several records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scopus author search free?

Scopus offers a preview version. However, some search tools, records, and analysis features may require access through a subscribing university or organization.

Can I create my own Scopus author profile?

No, you do not normally create a Scopus profile yourself.

Scopus creates author profiles from publications in its database. However, you can review the profile and request corrections.

Why can’t I find my Scopus author profile?

You may not find your profile because:

• Scopus does not index your publications.
• Your name appears in another format.
• Scopus linked your papers to another profile.
• Your profile has not yet been updated.
• You searched with the wrong affiliation.

Therefore, try several name variations. Also search with your former institution, article title, ORCID, or co-author names.

Can one researcher have more than one Scopus Author ID?

Yes. Scopus may create duplicate profiles for one researcher.

Each profile will have its own Author ID. However, the researcher can request a merger after confirming that the profiles belong to the same person.

How long does a profile correction take?

Processing times vary according to the request and its complexity.

Therefore, do not rely on an unofficial fixed timeframe. Instead, submit accurate information and monitor your profile for the change.

Can I add an article from a journal that Scopus does not index?

No. Scopus must already contain the document before you can add it to an author profile.

A profile-correction request cannot make an uncovered journal or article Scopus-indexed.

Does merging profiles combine citation information?

A successful merger brings the relevant publications together under a single profile.

Scopus should then update the related citation information and metrics. However, these changes may take additional time to appear.

Can another person correct my profile?

Yes. The correction process allows a person to state that they act on the author’s behalf.

However, the person should provide accurate details and confirm the author’s identity before submitting the request.

Final Thoughts

A Scopus author search does more than help you find a researcher’s publications. It also shows how Scopus organizes and presents the researcher’s academic work.

First, find the correct profile. Next, check the name, affiliations, publications, co-authors, and subject areas. Then use the Author Feedback Wizard when you find an error.

In addition, connect your Scopus profile to ORCID and use consistent author information in future manuscripts.

These steps can improve the accuracy of your research record. They can also make it easier for universities, readers, and potential collaborators to find and understand your work.

Editorial note: IJMRASFP is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scopus or Elsevier. This guide uses product names for educational and informational purposes.