Letter to the editor: On plurality and authorship in science |
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Authors: | Bor Luen Tang |
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Institution: | 1. NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore;2. Research Compliance and Integrity Office, National University of Singapore, Singapore;3. Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore |
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Abstract: | Moffatt argues that the “plurality of distinct accounts of scientific authorship” necessitates caution in attempts to identify unethical authorship practices, and urges that considerations be given to establishing a “single consensus account of authorship.” The revised International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) criteria do capture the essential features of authorship in terms of “intellectual contribution” and “responsibility and accountability,” which would clearly demarcate academically legitimate authorship from the common misdemeanors of ghost writing and honorary authorship. However, plurality in the practice of science and credit-sharing culture at the ground would likely render universal adoption or compliance of a single consensus account of authorship untenable. |
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Keywords: | Authorship honorary authorship International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) research ethics |
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