Authorship Guidelines in Research Collaboration
In the ever-evolving landscape of collaborative research, understanding how authorship is assigned plays a pivotal role in recognizing the collective efforts behind every research endeavor. For this reason, the Campylobacter Genomics and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (CAGED) and the Exposure Assessment of Campylobacter Infection in Rural Ethiopia (EXCAM) projects utilized the following guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in acknowledging contributions. Given the team’s perception that the process was effective in improving inclusiveness, transparency, and agency of team members in the research process, the approach is presented here as a set of authorship guidelines for effective collaboration.
ICJME Criteria: The Foundation of Authorship
Authors featured on the title page of any manuscript are identified by the corresponding author based on the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICJME) criteria. These criteria include 1) substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work, 2) involvement in the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data, 3) drafting or critical review of intellectual content, and 4) final approval for publication. Additionally, authors commit to being accountable for all aspects of the work, addressing questions related to accuracy or integrity.
Note that a preliminary list of eligible authors was identified by the corresponding author early in the drafting stages of the manuscript. Given that engagement in ICJME criteria, 3 and 4 require invitation by the organizing team or individual, more team members were often invited to authorship than ultimately present as authors due to their declining criteria 3 and or 4.
For a more detailed understanding of these criteria, the ICJME’s recommendations can be explored here.
Ordering Authors: A Structured Approach
The order in which authors are listed follows a structured approach. The first and last authors are specifically defined based on lead writing and primary supervision, respectively. Major contributors to formal analysis and writing of the initial draft are listed subsequently, alphabetically by last name. Other authors whose contribution meets all ICJME criteria are included alphabetically following major contributors, with the senior author listed last. The possibility of equal first and/or last authorship is considered, offering flexibility to recognize shared responsibilities. Importantly, unanimous approval in writing is required from all authors for the final manuscript.
Non-Author Contributors: Inclusion and Recognition
If the journal policy allows team members who contribute but don’t meet all four ICJME criteria are recognized as non-author contributors. Their names find a place in a group statement within the byline, represented as XXXX, YYYY, ZZZZ on behalf of the CAGED (EXCAM) Research Team. This inclusive approach ensures their recognition in databases such as MEDLINE, even if they are not listed as authors. Where journal policy does not allow for this approach, all non-author contributors are listed by name in the acknowledgment section of the manuscript.
CRediT statement
Where possible, authors’ specific contributions are outlined within the manuscript using the CRediT statement, which can be found here or per journal requirements.
Secondary Data Analysis: A Different Perspective
In the realm of secondary data analysis, where research data collected for a primary purpose are repurposed and re-analyzed to investigate new research questions, a nuanced approach is taken. Contribution to the generation and interpretation of primary data alone doesn’t qualify for authorship. This is based on the perspective that primary data should be publicly available, as required by the sponsor and, increasingly, by journal policies. Authors and contributors are recognized based on their direct involvement in designing, analyzing, and reporting the new study.
Key Takeaway: Early Discussions Matter
The guidelines presented here underline the importance of initiating discussions early in the research journey and maintaining communication with team members beyond the life of the research project. By establishing a shared understanding among the research team, these guidelines pave the way for transparent, inclusive, and equitable authorship practices. Embracing these principles ensures that the collaborative spirit of research is reflected in the credit given to every contributor, irrespective of their role in the project.
Key takeaway: Inclusive Research Matters
In research for development projects, it is essential to define roles and responsibilities in the project design and execution as early as possible, ideally starting with the grant writing. Only then can researchers from low- and middle-income countries be empowered to fulfill all requirements for authorship and receive due recognition for their essential contributions.
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