Verification Policy

What the blue badge means

A verified badge means we have checked that the account belongs to the person or organisation it claims to be, and that it is active. It is not a judgement of quality, and it cannot be bought. No payment of any kind affects a verification decision.

Who can be verified

• Researchers: a complete profile, published work on this site, and an audience that reaches the follower threshold shown on the verification page.
• Organisations: a complete organisation page and evidence that the organisation exists — an official website, registration number or a letter on headed paper.
• Community leaders: approved through the community leader programme.

How we check

We look at the supporting document or website, confirm the contact email belongs to the organisation, and check the account’s activity. We may ask for more evidence. Decisions are emailed with a reason.

ID cards, certificates and event badges

Every card, certificate, event badge and receipt carries a number and a QR code. Anyone can check one at /verify/ without an account. A record shows as valid only while it is active and unexpired.

Losing verification

We remove a badge if the account is no longer active, if information proves false, or if the holder breaks our community guidelines. Revoked IDs show as not valid when scanned.

Report a false claim

If someone shows a card or certificate you believe is false, check the number at /verify/ and tell us.