How does ICPSR handle access to its data and members-only content?

In order to download data or analyze data online, users will need to log in (authenticate) and agree to terms of use.

ICPSR recommends that data users create and use an ICPSR Researcher Passport account. If they prefer to use an existing account, data users may log in to ICPSR using their LinkedIn, Google, or ORCID account. 

Benefits of Third Party Authentication

  • Users will not have to remember a separate login/password to access ICPSR data.
  • If users are logged into their third-party account and then go to ICPSR, they will already be logged into ICPSR.

Privacy Issues

  • Using a single identity to log into multiple websites allows users to establish a reputation on several sites with the same ID. However, that may make it easier for others (marketers, law-enforcers) to track them.
  • Users can choose to share personal information they've stored at the third-party provider with ICPSR, in order to save the trouble of re-entering some basic profile information.
  • If a third-party account gets hacked, the hackers would also be able to access that user's ICPSR account.
  • Third-party authentication providers are able to track every site you use your third-party account to log into.

Multiple Logins

A user may log into ICPSR using (for example) LinkedIn one session, Google another session, and Researcher Passport a third session. Doing so would create separate profiles in the ICPSR system if the third-party accounts are associated with different email addresses.

Researcher Passport

Researcher Passport is a user registration and authentication system for the ICPSR website. The system creates a more secure environment for users and enables them to sign up for services that ICPSR is developing. 

Who should have a Researcher Passport account?

Anyone who is accessing ICPSR data or educational resources or depositing data must have a Researcher Passport account.

Do I need to be a part of an ICPSR member institution to update my account?

No, you do not need to be part of a member institution to update or create your account.

I don't want to update my account with any additional information. Can I opt out?

As long as you have filled out the required fields in your profile, you don't need to update or add other information to your account.

What if I don't want to use my institution or a third-party to log in?

You may create an account using a personal email address. However, if you are part of a member institution and don't use your institutional email, you will not be recognized as a member and may not have access to certain data.

Does everyone have to create a new account when they log in?

Yes. We are transitioning to a new system. If you previously had a MyData account, and you are using the same email address to create your new Researcher Passport account, your profile information will be migrated over.

Help Creating a Researcher Passport Account

Please contact icpsr-help@umich.edu for additional questions.