How to determine the author order in a scientific article is an important matter that should be agreed upon from the beginning of the research. The order of authors’ names does not simply show who was involved, but can also reflect each person’s contribution, responsibility, and role in preparing the article. ICMJE emphasizes that decisions about author order should be made collectively by the group of authors, not by the journal editor.
Confused About Who Should Be the First Author?
The first author is usually the team member who makes a major contribution to the research and writing of the article. However, simply being actively involved in writing is not enough. Authorship should be based on contributions that meet authorship criteria, including intellectual involvement, reviewing the manuscript, approving the final version, and being willing to take responsibility for the published work.
So, How Should the Order Be Determined?
To make it easier, the author team can follow these steps:
1. Identify each member’s contribution. Note who contributed to the research idea, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and writing.
2. Compare the level of contribution. Members with the greatest contributions can be considered for positions earlier in the author list.
3. Discuss it from the beginning. Do not wait until the article is finished so that the division of roles does not lead to conflicts.
4. Follow the journal’s requirements. Some fields have different conventions regarding author order, so the journal guidelines should still be checked.
Read More : Understanding the Roles of First Author and Corresponding Author in Journal Publication
Have a Team with Many Authors? Try These Tips
Use a simple contribution record from the beginning of the project. Any changes in roles can be updated throughout the research process. Make sure all members understand and agree on the author order before the manuscript is submitted.
Most importantly, do not determine author order based on position, seniority, or simply who has been involved the longest. Authorship should reflect each person’s contribution and responsibility for the article.
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