Guideline 14
Authorship
An author is an individual who has made a genuine, identifiable contribution to the content of a research publication of text, data or software. All authors agree on the final version of the work to be published. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, they share responsibility for the publication. Authors seek to ensure that, as far as possible, their contributions are identified by publishers or infrastructure providers such that they can be correctly cited by users.
Explanations:
The contribution must add to the research content of the publication. What constitutes a genuine and identifiable contribution must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and depends on the subject area in question. An identifiable, genuine contribution is deemed to exist particularly in instances in which a researcher – in a research-relevant way – takes part in
- the development and conceptual design of the research project, or
- the gathering, collection, acquisition or provision of data, software or sources, or
- the analysis/evaluation or interpretation of data, sources and conclusions drawn from them, or
- the drafting of the manuscript.
If a contribution is not sufficient to justify authorship, the individual’s support may be properly acknowledged in footnotes, a foreword or an acknowledgement. Honorary authorship where no such contribution was made is not permissible. A leadership or supervisory function does not itself constitute co-authorship.
Collaborating researchers agree on authorship of a publication. The decision as to the order in which authors are named is made in good time, normally no later than when the manuscript is drafted, and in accordance with clear criteria that reflect the practices within the relevant subject areas. Researchers may not refuse to give their consent to publication of the results without sufficient grounds. Refusal of consent must be justified with verifiable criticism of data, methods or results.
Comments - General (8)
Ghost Authorship and Ghostwriting
13.04.2023 – In research publications, all those persons who have made a genuine and identifiable contribution are to be named as authors.
Comment on: GL14 (General)
What to do in the case of an author passing away during the research work/publication process
22.04.2022 – The question of what to do in the case of an author passing away during the research work or publication process arises on the condition that the person has made a scientifically relevant contribution by the time of their death that entitles them to ...
Comment on: GL14 (General)
Recognition of individual achievements
03.12.2020 – Individual achievements should be adequately recognised.
Comment on: GL5 (General) , GL14 (General)
Development of research software and its archiving
03.12.2020 – Appropriate version management systems should be used in the development and archiving of research software.
Comment on: GL14 (General) , GL17 (General)
The role of software developers in publications
03.12.2020 – Software developers can be named as authors, providing the publication was only possible with their active participation.
Comment on: GL14 (General)
Authorship agreement
03.12.2020 – When preparing a publication in which several individuals are to be involved, it is advisable to set down in writing early on who will make what contribution.
Comment on: GL14 (General)
Authorship criteria / negative catalogue
03.12.2020 – Due to the differing practices and cultures in the various academic fields and communities, developing a universally valid and all-encompassing definition of authorship poses a considerable challenge.
Comment on: GL14 (General)
Definition of a “genuine contribution”
03.12.2020 – The requirements in Guideline 14 of the Code (“genuine, identifiable contribution”) have been extended as compared to the definition of authorship in Recommendation 11 of the DFG memorandum (“substantial contribution”). An author is now defined as ...
Comment on: GL14 (General)