How to Create a PROSPERO Account: Every Field Explained

Published

To register a systematic review on PROSPERO you first need a PROSPERO account, and to create review records you also need an ORCID iD. Both are free. This guide explains every field of the PROSPERO “Join” form.

Where to apply

Step 1: Get your ORCID iD first

An ORCID iD is a free, permanent number that identifies you as a researcher. PROSPERO lists it as optional on the Join form, but you cannot create review records without it, so get it before you start.

  1. Go to orcid.org/register.
  2. Enter your name and email, set a password and confirm your email.
  3. Copy your 16-character ORCID iD (it looks like 0000-0000-0000-0000; the last character can be X).
  4. Add your current hospital or university under Employment. Journals and PROSPERO see this profile.

Step 2: Fill the PROSPERO Join form

These details may appear in your published PROSPERO records, so enter them exactly as you want readers to see them.

FieldWhat to enter
Title *Dr (or Prof, Mr, Ms as applicable)
First name *Your first name, as on your ORCID profile and papers
Last name *Your family name, as on your ORCID profile and papers
Email *PROSPERO asks for an institutional email if possible (e.g. [email protected]). If you do not have one, use a personal email you will keep for years. All PROSPERO messages come here.
16 character ORCIDYour ORCID iD from Step 1. If the form does not accept the hyphens, type the 16 characters without them.
Institution/Organisation *Your current hospital, medical college or university, e.g. King Edward Medical University, Lahore
Country *Pakistan
Password *8 to 16 characters, with upper-case and lower-case letters, at least one number and at least one special character (e.g. @, #, !)
Retype password *The same password again
Terms and Conditions *Tick the box after reading the terms

Step 3: After you join

  1. If PROSPERO sends a confirmation email, open it and click the link. Check your spam folder too.
  2. Log in at crd.york.ac.uk/prospero with your email and password.
  3. Open your user details and check that your ORCID iD is saved. Without it you cannot start a record.
  4. Start a new review record and follow our guide: How to Register Your Systematic Review on PROSPERO.

Common problems

ProblemFix
Password not acceptedKeep it between 8 and 16 characters and include an upper-case letter, a lower-case letter, a number and a special character.
Cannot create a review recordAdd your ORCID iD in your user details.
No email from PROSPEROCheck spam, and add the PROSPERO address to your contacts.
Name looks different on the recordCorrect it in your user details. Use the same spelling as your ORCID profile and papers.

Related guides

Contact UPMED

UPMED can help in registering systematic reviews and meta-analyses on PROSPERO, from account setup to the CRD number:

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