DataCite provides a home for all research outputs, resources, and activities to be visible, citable, and impactful. DataCite membership provides an opportunity to integrate with foundational research infrastructure and participate in an active and supportive community of the world’s most important research organizations. 

Members benefit from access to DataCite’s infrastructure services, including:

• DOI registrations
• Metadata insights tools
• Citation and usage reports
• Member-only APIs

Members receive additional benefits, including:

• Prioritized and tailored technical support
• Access to member-only trainings and events
• Invitations to participate in steering groups and communities of practice. 

Members also participate in DataCite’s governance and help to shape the organization’s strategic directions. 

As a community-driven open infrastructure organization, DataCite provides open metadata and APIs that anyone can use regardless of membership status. We also support open feedback and communication channels and hold public community events throughout the year. However, joining as a member allows you to get the most out of DataCite’s infrastructure offerings and community activities. Our membership program also helps to support the long-term sustainability of DataCite’s shared infrastructure, ensuring that we can continue to advance research and connect knowledge for everyone, for the long term. 

Membership options

The primary membership pathways are an institutional membership (for an individual organization) or a consortium membership (for a group of organizations). Most organizations join to be able to access and use DataCite infrastructure services. You can also join as a supporting organization to contribute to DataCite’s sustainability and participate in governance and community activities, even if you do not need access to infrastructure services. 

Membership type	Best for
Institutional Member (Direct Member or Supporting Member)	Individual organizations that wish to use DataCite infrastructure services or support DataCite financially
Consortium Member	An organization that is responsible for coordinating a shared membership for a group of organizations, typically those in the same region or using a shared platform
Consortium Organization	An individual institution that prefers to be part of a consortium as opposed to managing an independent membership

The best way to determine the right membership type for your organization is to set up a meeting with our community team so we can discuss your needs and options.

Membership fees

There are fees associated with membership, which help to sustain DataCite’s operations and infrastructure. The membership structure and associated fees are designed to maximize flexibility and equity for all types of organizations globally. Read more about fees. 

How to join

Any research organization is eligible to become a DataCite member. 

DataCite is a member-driven organization and we have different types of membership options, so all prospective members have a brief consultation with DataCite staff to determine which membership pathway is best. Membership applications are ultimately approved by the Executive Board. We care about establishing close relationships both with and between member organizations, and we also want to make sure that there is clarity about expectations for member engagement and long-term metadata stewardship. 

The best way to initiate the membership process is to send us an inquiry so we can review your information and have a conversation over email or via a meeting. You can also start a membership conversation by emailing our community team at support@datacite.org. Once we have agreed on the best pathway, you would submit a short membership application, which would be reviewed within a week. All new members have access to a customized onboarding program so they can get started with DataCite services and member activities right away. 

Other ways to participate in the DataCite community

There are many other ways to join and support the DataCite community in addition to the membership program, including:

• Become a DataCite Registered Service Provider
• Apply to be a DataCite Ambassador
• Join the Harvesters Interest Group
• Sign up for the DataCite newsletter 
• Attend a community event
• Contribute financial support for DataCite’s sustainability and global access program