role of corresponding author in research paper

First Author vs. Corresponding Author? How to Decide Which to Choose

This article discusses the importance of authorship in academic publishing. The first author executes a large portion of the work throughout the research process and signifies the researcher has provided the greatest intellectual contribution. The corresponding author is explicitly identified on the first page of the manuscript, is selected to further manage the pre and post-publication responsibilities, and serves as the point of contact for communication with a journal during the submission, peer review, and publication process.

Updated on April 26, 2023

Every process is conducted through a series of steps. The Scientific Method, for example, provides guidelines for navigating the research process and generally includes:

• Making observations
• Identifying a problem
• Formulating a hypothesis
• Designing an experiment
• Analyzing the data
• Reporting a conclusion

While the actual procedures may vary between fields, the underlying process remains intact. The same holds true for the publication process:

• Complete your research
• Choose a journal
• Prepare the manuscript
• Submit the manuscript
• Make any revisions
• Publication

Each of these processes contains many more specific steps and processes, including assigning authorship to the research manuscript . This article outlines the importance of authorship, delineates the meanings of first author and corresponding author, and addresses some of the challenges associated with the process.

Why is authorship important?

On the surface, the positioning of a researcher’s name and title on a manuscript seems straightforward, a simple task. Most lay people use the list of names solely for searching and citation purposes.

In reality, though, the order of those names tells a complex story of authorship. It is, in fact, the primary way for a researcher to convey the extent of their contribution to the reader.

To attain authorship on a manuscript, a researcher must not only contribute substantially to the work but also take responsibility and accountability for the information it contains. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommends authorship be based on 4 specific criteria related to these broad principles.

With authorship comes both recognition and obligation that have important academic, social, and financial implications. The two most prominent authorship positions are first author and corresponding author .

What is the first author?

The first author position is a coveted spot. No matter how many other authors’ names appear on the manuscript or which referencing style is used, the first author’s last name will be mentioned in every future citation of the work.

For this reason alone, the name of the first author is remembered, indexed, and promoted more than any other. It is not just a status symbol, though. The first author executes a large portion or majority of the work throughout the research process.

First author credit signifies the researcher has provided the greatest intellectual contribution, and, therefore, comes with substantial benefits. The manuscripts of first authors hold substantial value for grant and position applications, staff appraisals and reviews, and many other forms of career development.

First author duties

The designation as first author is not based on academic or professional hierarchy, the prestige, or expertise of the author. It’s based on the inputs and outputs of work. First authors must:

• Make significant, original, and insightful intellectual contributions
• Participate in the conception and planning of the study
• Generate data through performing experiments, conducting literature reviews, and organizing surveys and interviews
• Analyze the results through statistical analysis and by generating graphs, tables, and illustrations
• Write and edit the manuscript
• Help with queries and revisions after submission

The researcher fulfilling all these duties is rightfully the first author.

What is the corresponding author?

Like the first author designation, the title of corresponding author also comes with considerable prestige. The corresponding author is explicitly identified on the first page of the manuscript. In addition to meeting all the preexisting authorship requirements, this person is selected to further manage the pre and post-publication responsibilities.

The corresponding author is customarily a senior researcher or academic with extensive publishing knowledge and experience. As the primary source of communication for both the publisher and the readers, the corresponding author’s contact information is included within the article.

The corresponding author must have exceptional communication skills. The role assumes primary responsibility for connecting with target journals. They must be organized and meticulous with the substantial volume of tasks associated with the position.

Corresponding author duties

Neither electing a corresponding author nor accepting the position should be taken lightly as it is an essential and long lasting obligation. The duties span from prior to publication to well afterwards and include:

While all corresponding authors serve as the point of contact for communication with a journal during the submission, peer review, and publication process, some journals outline additional conditions for the role. The National Academy of Sciences offers a table that compiles the corresponding author requirements for various journals.

What if there are authorship disputes or changes?

While openly discussing and defining a research team’s roles during the initial planning phase is vital for curbing authorship disputes, combining this practice with other forward-thinking acts is key. Responsibilities and work status must be addressed during regularly scheduled meetings and special meetings need to be called when a team member is added or ends involvement in the project.

How to avoid authorship disputes

To avoid disputes, teams start by mapping out the most obvious roles, author and non-author contributor, and by rejecting any proposed “non-role.” The input of non-author contributors is narrow in scope, providing technical, administrative or writing assistance, and does not fulfill the previously outlined authorship criteria.

A non-role is any inappropriate or irrelevant participant who will harm the research process, such as unethical types of authors . This category encompasses guest authors, forged authors, ghost authors, and orphan authors and must be avoided at all costs.

Many journals require a document be included with the submission package to delineate author contributions to explain and justify author order. By creating this list as a living document from the outset, a research team fulfills the prerequisite for the publisher and guarantees transparency and fairness throughout.

Because changing authorship after publication is messy, necessitating specific documentation, signatures, and approval, it is frowned upon by journal editors. While taking proactive steps to avoid disputes that may result in this situation saves the research team time and hassle, it does not always alleviate future changes.

The addition, removal, or reordering of authors on a manuscript while actively going through the publication process requires a letter signed by all original and additional authors stating the reason for the change and their mutual agreement. For changes made after publication, an authorship corrigendum must be submitted by all authors per COPE guidelines .

Final thoughts

Getting to the manuscript writing and publication stages of a research project are exciting milestones for everyone involved. Ideally, authorship roles are clearly defined and assigned at this point.

Though the first author and corresponding author positions are sometimes performed by the same person, the obligations of each are unique. The first author undertakes the bulk of work duties and makes a significant intellectual contribution to the research project. The corresponding author carries out the communication and administrative tasks necessary for publishing the manuscript.

Both roles are vital to the research and publication processes. They require intense labor and responsibility. With this comes great recognition and prestige for first authors and corresponding authors.

Charla Viera, MS

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What is a Corresponding Author?

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Table of Contents

Are you familiar with the terms “corresponding author” and “first author,” but you don’t know what they really mean? This is a common doubt, especially at the beginning of a researcher’s career, but easy to explain: fundamentally, a corresponding author takes the lead in the manuscript submission for publication process, whereas the first author is actually the one who did the research and wrote the manuscript.

The order of the authors can be arranged in whatever order suits the research group best, but submissions must be made by the corresponding author. It can also be the case that you don’t belong in a research group, and you want to publish your own paper independently, so you will probably be the corresponding author and first author at the same time.

Corresponding author meaning:

The corresponding author is the one individual who takes primary responsibility for communication with the journal during the manuscript submission, peer review, and publication process. Normally, he or she also ensures that all the journal’s administrative requirements, such as providing details of authorship, ethics committee approval, clinical trial registration documentation, and gathering conflict of interest forms and statements, are properly completed, although these duties may be delegated to one or more co-authors.

Generally, corresponding authors are senior researchers or group leaders with some – or a lot of experience – in the submission and publishing process of scientific research. They are someone who has not only contributed to the paper significantly but also has the ability to ensure that it goes through the publication process smoothly and successfully.

What is a corresponding author supposed to do?

A corresponding author is responsible for several critical aspects at each stage of a study’s dissemination – before and after publication.

If you are a corresponding author for the first time, take a look at these 6 simple tips that will help you succeed in this important task:

• Ensure that major deadlines are met
• Prepare a submission-ready manuscript
• Put together a submission package
• Get all author details correct
• Ensure ethical practices are followed
• Take the lead on open access

In short, the corresponding author is the one responsible for bringing research (and researchers) to the eyes of the public. To be successful, and because the researchers’ reputation is also at stake, corresponding authors always need to remember that a fine quality text is the first step to impress a team of peers or even a more refined audience. Elsevier’s team of language and translation professionals is always ready to perform text editing services that will provide the best possible material to go forward with a submission or/and a publication process confidently.

Who is the first author of a scientific paper?

The first author is usually the person who made the most significant intellectual contribution to the work. That includes designing the study, acquiring and analyzing data from experiments and writing the actual manuscript. As a first author, you will have to impress a vast group of players in the submission and publication processes. But, first of all, if you are in a research group, you will have to catch the corresponding author’s eye. The best way to give your work the attention it deserves, and the confidence you expect from your corresponding author, is to deliver a flawless manuscript, both in terms of scientific accuracy and grammar.

If you are not sure about the written quality of your manuscript, and you feel your career might depend on it, take full advantage of Elsevier’s professional text editing services. They can make a real difference in your work’s acceptance at each stage, before it comes out to the public.

Language Editing Services by Elsevier Author Services:

Through our Language Editing Services , we correct proofreading errors, and check for grammar and syntax to make sure your paper sounds natural and professional. We also make sure that editors and reviewers can understand the science behind your manuscript.

With more than a hundred years of experience in publishing, Elsevier is trusted by millions of authors around the world.

Check our video Elsevier Author Services – Language Editing to learn more about Author Services.

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Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors

Page Contents

• Why Authorship Matters
• Who Is an Author?
• Non-Author Contributors
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Technology

1. Why Authorship Matters

Authorship confers credit and has important academic, social, and financial implications. Authorship also implies responsibility and accountability for published work. The following recommendations are intended to ensure that contributors who have made substantive intellectual contributions to a paper are given credit as authors, but also that contributors credited as authors understand their role in taking responsibility and being accountable for what is published.

Editors should be aware of the practice of excluding local researchers from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) from authorship when data are from LMICs. Inclusion of local authors adds to fairness, context, and implications of the research. Lack of inclusion of local investigators as authors should prompt questioning and may lead to rejection.

Because authorship does not communicate what contributions qualified an individual to be an author, some journals now request and publish information about the contributions of each person named as having participated in a submitted study, at least for original research. Editors are strongly encouraged to develop and implement a contributorship policy. Such policies remove much of the ambiguity surrounding contributions, but leave unresolved the question of the quantity and quality of contribution that qualify an individual for authorship. The ICMJE has thus developed criteria for authorship that can be used by all journals, including those that distinguish authors from other contributors.

2. Who Is an Author?

The ICMJE recommends that authorship be based on the following 4 criteria:

• Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; AND
• Drafting the work or reviewing it critically for important intellectual content; AND
• Final approval of the version to be published; AND
• Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

In addition to being accountable for the parts of the work done, an author should be able to identify which co-authors are responsible for specific other parts of the work. In addition, authors should have confidence in the integrity of the contributions of their co-authors.

All those designated as authors should meet all four criteria for authorship, and all who meet the four criteria should be identified as authors. Those who do not meet all four criteria should be acknowledged—see Section II.A.3 below. These authorship criteria are intended to reserve the status of authorship for those who deserve credit and can take responsibility for the work. The criteria are not intended for use as a means to disqualify colleagues from authorship who otherwise meet authorship criteria by denying them the opportunity to meet criterion #s 2 or 3. Therefore, all individuals who meet the first criterion should have the opportunity to participate in the review, drafting, and final approval of the manuscript.

The individuals who conduct the work are responsible for identifying who meets these criteria and ideally should do so when planning the work, making modifications as appropriate as the work progresses. We encourage collaboration and co-authorship with colleagues in the locations where the research is conducted. It is the collective responsibility of the authors, not the journal to which the work is submitted, to determine that all people named as authors meet all four criteria; it is not the role of journal editors to determine who qualifies or does not qualify for authorship or to arbitrate authorship conflicts. If agreement cannot be reached about who qualifies for authorship, the institution(s) where the work was performed, not the journal editor, should be asked to investigate. The criteria used to determine the order in which authors are listed on the byline may vary, and are to be decided collectively by the author group and not by editors. If authors request removal or addition of an author after manuscript submission or publication, journal editors should seek an explanation and signed statement of agreement for the requested change from all listed authors and from the author to be removed or added.

The corresponding author is the one individual who takes primary responsibility for communication with the journal during the manuscript submission, peer-review, and publication process. The corresponding author typically ensures that all the journal’s administrative requirements, such as providing details of authorship, ethics committee approval, clinical trial registration documentation, and disclosures of relationships and activities are properly completed and reported, although these duties may be delegated to one or more co-authors. The corresponding author should be available throughout the submission and peer-review process to respond to editorial queries in a timely way, and should be available after publication to respond to critiques of the work and cooperate with any requests from the journal for data or additional information should questions about the paper arise after publication. Although the corresponding author has primary responsibility for correspondence with the journal, the ICMJE recommends that editors send copies of all correspondence to all listed authors.

When a large multi-author group has conducted the work, the group ideally should decide who will be an author before the work is started and confirm who is an author before submitting the manuscript for publication. All members of the group named as authors should meet all four criteria for authorship, including approval of the final manuscript, and they should be able to take public responsibility for the work and should have full confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the work of other group authors. They will also be expected as individuals to complete disclosure forms.

Some large multi-author groups designate authorship by a group name, with or without the names of individuals. When submitting a manuscript authored by a group, the corresponding author should specify the group name if one exists, and clearly identify the group members who can take credit and responsibility for the work as authors. The byline of the article identifies who is directly responsible for the manuscript, and MEDLINE lists as authors whichever names appear on the byline. If the byline includes a group name, MEDLINE will list the names of individual group members who are authors or who are collaborators, sometimes called non-author contributors, if there is a note associated with the byline clearly stating that the individual names are elsewhere in the paper and whether those names are authors or collaborators.

3. Non-Author Contributors

Contributors who meet fewer than all 4 of the above criteria for authorship should not be listed as authors, but they should be acknowledged. Examples of activities that alone (without other contributions) do not qualify a contributor for authorship are acquisition of funding; general supervision of a research group or general administrative support; and writing assistance, technical editing, language editing, and proofreading. Those whose contributions do not justify authorship may be acknowledged individually or together as a group under a single heading (e.g. "Clinical Investigators" or "Participating Investigators"), and their contributions should be specified (e.g., "served as scientific advisors," "critically reviewed the study proposal," "collected data," "provided and cared for study patients," "participated in writing or technical editing of the manuscript").

Because acknowledgment may imply endorsement by acknowledged individuals of a study’s data and conclusions, editors are advised to require that the corresponding author obtain written permission to be acknowledged from all acknowledged individuals.

Use of AI for writing assistance should be reported in the acknowledgment section.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Technology

At submission, the journal should require authors to disclose whether they used artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies (such as Large Language Models [LLMs], chatbots, or image creators) in the production of submitted work. Authors who use such technology should describe, in both the cover letter and the submitted work in the appropriate section if applicable, how they used it. For example, if AI was used for writing assistance, describe this in the acknowledgment section (see Section II.A.3). If AI was used for data collection, analysis, or figure generation, authors should describe this use in the methods (see Section IV.A.3.d). Chatbots (such as ChatGPT) should not be listed as authors because they cannot be responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the work, and these responsibilities are required for authorship (see Section II.A.1). Therefore, humans are responsible for any submitted material that included the use of AI-assisted technologies. Authors should carefully review and edit the result because AI can generate authoritative-sounding output that can be incorrect, incomplete, or biased. Authors should not list AI and AI-assisted technologies as an author or co-author, nor cite AI as an author. Authors should be able to assert that there is no plagiarism in their paper, including in text and images produced by the AI. Humans must ensure there is appropriate attribution of all quoted material, including full citations.

Next: Disclosure of Financial and Non-Financial Relationships and Activities, and Conflicts of Interest

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What roles Co-author and Corresponding Author play in Research Papers

Introduction

In current academic research, nothing exists in isolation. Good research requires collaboration, thus giving rise to the guild of co-authors and corresponding authors. These terms often raise questions about their significance and differences. Let’s delve into the distinctions between co-authors and corresponding authors, their roles, and how to appropriately mention the corresponding author in a paper.

Co-author vs. Corresponding Author: Unveiling the Differences

Co-author Meaning

• A co-author is a researcher who has contributed significantly to a research paper, sharing responsibility for its content and findings.
• Co-authors collaborate to design experiments, analyze results, and contribute to the overall intellectual content of the paper.

Corresponding Author Meaning

• The corresponding author is the designated point of contact for the paper. They facilitate communication with the journal, handle revisions, and address queries.
• The corresponding author isn’t necessarily the primary contributor but takes on administrative responsibilities.

How to Mention the Corresponding Author in a Paper

• Typically, the corresponding author’s name and contact information are provided at the top of the first page of the paper.
• Including an asterisk (*) next to the corresponding author’s name and explaining their role in a footnote is common practice.
• Mention the corresponding author’s email address for efficient communication.

Co-author vs. Second Author: Clarifying the Distinction

• Co-author: Holds equal responsibility for the content contributed substantially.
• Second Author: Holds a significant role but might not have been as involved as co-authors.

Who Should Be the Corresponding Author?

• Usually, the corresponding author is a senior researcher who can effectively handle communication.
• The corresponding author need not be the primary author; any co-author familiar with the research can take on this role.

Differences Between Co-author and Corresponding Author

• Responsibility : Co-authors share content responsibility; the corresponding author manages communication.
• Involvement : Co-authors are deeply involved in research; the corresponding author handles administrative aspects.
• Listing : All co-authors are listed in the byline; only the corresponding author’s contact details are visible.
• Primary Contribution : Co-authors contribute intellectually; the corresponding author manages logistics.

Main Author vs. Corresponding Author: Unraveling the Contrast

• Main Author : Often referred to as the first author, contributes significantly to research and writing.
• Corresponding Author : Handles communication, edits, and revisions after accepting the paper.

Collaborative Writing: Can Two Authors Pen a Book Together?

• Multiple authors can co-write a book, combining their expertise and perspectives.

The Merits of Being a Co-author

• Learning Opportunity : Co-authoring exposes you to diverse ideas and research methods.
• Networking : Collaboration connects you with other researchers in your field.
• Shared Workload : Co-authors distribute the research and writing burden.

Conclusion: Navigating the Authorship Landscape

Understanding the roles of co-authors and corresponding authors is vital in the intricate realm of academic authorship. Collaborative efforts enrich research and foster academic growth. As you embark on research journeys, remember the unique contributions of co-authors and the crucial responsibilities shouldered by corresponding authors. So, cheer up if you are a co-author or corresponding author; your contributions to this evolving knowledge domain are unparalleled.

Explore, Collaborate, and Illuminate. Connect with us at Manuscriptedit.com .

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Who Should Be the Corresponding Author, What Are Their Responsibilities, and What Email Address Should They Provide?

• Published: 14 July 2023
• Volume 37 , pages 1039–1040, ( 2023 )

Cite this article

• Yochai Birnbaum 1 ,
• Masafumi Kitakaze 2 ,
• David Grieve 3 &
• Barry F. Uretsky 4 , 5  

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Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

The essential and major goal for scientific researchers has been, and will be, to publish original articles to provide new scientific information. After successful completion of rigorous research, dissemination in a timely manner of their novel findings for the benefit of other scientists and the broader research community should be the next goal.

This communication clarifies the proposed authorship and responsibility of the authors. The first author is typically the investigator who has “championed” the research. This person typically is the designer of the study protocol and the investigator who was responsible for the promulgation of the research. The first author is typically credited with the research although it is understood that all the authors participated. The last author is typically the “senior” author, often the lab director for a basic science study or the most experienced clinician in a clinical trial, particularly if that person has been the financial supporter for the study. The co-authors, which have increased in recent years with growing emphasis on global and multidisciplinary collaboration, must qualify for authorship based on the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors requirements.

One author is designated the “corresponding” author. The corresponding author, i.e., the author with whom the Editor communicates, is responsible for the integrity of the manuscript contents such as the veracity of the results, the lack of plagiarism, the contribution of each author, and other issues related to production of the manuscript. To analogize to creating a motion picture, the corresponding author is akin to the producer who not only supports financially the film but assures adequate locations to film, paying the actors, and other functions. The film director may be considered akin to the first author.

To summarize, some of the roles of the corresponding author are the following:

Article preparation, submission, and acceptance [ 1 , 2 ]:

Pre-publication: submission of the manuscript, communication with the editor, coordination of revisions, signing the copyright owner agreement and the publishing agreement, paying the article processing charge/publication fee (if needed), and final proofing of the manuscript.

Integrity: responsibility for ensuring integrity of both the published data and authorship contributions. In addition, the corresponding author is responsible for meeting the journal administrative requirements, documentation of ethics committee approval, documentation of clinical trial registration, complete disclosure of conflict-of-interest statement, etc.

Post-publication: responsibility for providing timely responses to queries related to the manuscript, including individual approaches, letters to the editor, and requests for data sharing.

Peer review: the authors could be invited to provide peer reviews of manuscripts focused on similar research topics.

Based on the expectations of the corresponding author, it seems intuitive that the corresponding should for the most part be the first author or the last author. That is not always the case as described below.

While the first two roles are accepted by most publishers, the third and fourth roles (c and d) are not mentioned by all. For example, Springer, the publisher of this journal, does not specify the third and fourth roles. The publisher states that articles can be published with more than one corresponding author, but only one can be accommodated by the Peer Review System. Moreover, they specify: “The corresponding author does not need to be the first author or a senior author. The order of authors can be arranged during the submission process, in whichever order suits but submissions must be made by the corresponding author and not on behalf of the corresponding author” ( https://support.springer.com/en/support/solutions/articles/6000214118-corresponding-author-defined ).

While in the past, hard copies of submitted manuscripts were mailed to the journals, the corresponding author was almost always the senior (usually the last) author. As such, the funding agencies or research institutions typically regarded the corresponding author as the essential scientist for each article. However, virtually universal transition to electronic submissions mandates that the official corresponding author is required to submit revisions, respond to editor queries, and proof the final manuscript. As this can be onerous based on individual website applications, many senior authors prefer not to be actively involved in this process, so they defer this role to more junior authors (usually the first author) as the corresponding author. While this perfectly serves the short-term role, while also benefiting professional development of junior researchers, it may create difficulties in fulfilling the longer-term responsibilities of the role. Due to various reasons, including fixed-term contracts, career progression, and family commitments, many junior faculty researchers and trainees move on to new employment, and thus, their email addresses are no longer active for communication. Teunis et al. assessed the response rate of the corresponding authors for manuscripts published between May 2003 and May 2013. In the study published in 2015, they found that there was a 20% (89/446) rate of undeliverable emails [ 2 ]. Only 53% (190/357) of the corresponding authors with working email addresses responded to query requests [ 2 ]. The odds of replying decreased by 15% per year between the publication and the query.

However, this can be easily resolved by listing the email addresses of all co-authors, including the senior and named corresponding authors. For this reason, cardiovascular drugs and therapy have implemented the requirement to include the email addresses of all co-authors in submissions to our journal.

Another important issue is the specific email address provided by the corresponding authors. Many academic institutions and hospitals have implemented heightened Internet security measures. This results in filtering and eliminating many emails sent to such email addresses, meaning that they are often not received by the corresponding author. In addition, some authors, especially more junior contributors, may be employed on fixed-term contracts or training programs, so are likely to change their place of work overtime, so their originally specified email address is no longer active. Use of personal email addresses or professional email addresses that can be accessed independent of the employing institution can resolve these issues. Ideally, each author should use a unique email address that can be linked to their personal ORCID identifier number ( www.ORCID.ORG ) alone or in addition to the institutional email address. Therefore, this journal will encourage the corresponding author to use an email address that will be available for a prolonged period typical 1–2 years at minimum.

McNutt MK, Bradford M, Drazen JM, et al. Transparency in authors’ contributions and responsibilities to promote integrity in scientific publication. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2018;115(11):2557–60.

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Teunis T, Nota SP, Schwab JH. Do corresponding authors take responsibility for their work? A covert survey. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015;473(2):729–35.

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Yochai Birnbaum

Hanwa Memorial Hospital, Osaka, Japan

Masafumi Kitakaze

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David Grieve

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Barry F. Uretsky

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Birnbaum, Y., Kitakaze, M., Grieve, D. et al. Who Should Be the Corresponding Author, What Are Their Responsibilities, and What Email Address Should They Provide?. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 37 , 1039–1040 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-023-07486-5

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Accepted : 05 July 2023

Published : 14 July 2023

Issue Date : December 2023

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-023-07486-5

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• Resources for authors
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• Authorship & contributorship

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals ( ICMJE Recommendations 2018 ) recommend that authorship be based on the following four criteria:

• Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; AND • Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; AND • Final approval of the version to be published; AND • Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

In addition to being accountable for the parts of the work he or she has done, an author should be able to identify which co-authors are responsible for specific other parts of the work. In addition, authors should have confidence in the integrity of the contributions of their co-authors.

We include only one corresponding author per article. Any further contribution details (eg, equal contribution) must be included in the contributors or acknowledgement sections at the end of the article.

The BMJ requires that all those designated as authors should meet all four ICMJE criteria for authorship, and all who meet the four criteria should be identified as authors. We recognise only natural persons over 18 years of age as authors. These authorship criteria are intended to reserve the status of authorship for those who deserve credit and can take responsibility for the work. The criteria are not intended for use as a means to disqualify colleagues from authorship who otherwise meet authorship criteria by denying them the opportunity to meet criterion #s 2 or 3. Therefore, all individuals who meet the first criterion should have the opportunity to participate in the review, drafting, and final approval of the manuscript.

The individuals who conduct the work are responsible for identifying who meets these criteria and ideally should do so when planning the work, making modifications as appropriate as the work progresses. The corresponding author takes primary responsibility for communication with the journal during the manuscript submission, peer review, and publication process, and typically ensures that all the journal’s administrative requirements, such as providing details of authorship, ethics committee approval, clinical trial registration documentation, and gathering conflict of interest forms and statements, are properly completed, although these duties may be delegated to one or more coauthors.

When a large multi-author group has conducted the work, the group ideally should decide who will be an author before the work is started and confirm who is an author before submitting the manuscript for publication. All members of the group named as authors should meet all four criteria for authorship, including approval of the final manuscript, and they should be able to take public responsibility for the work and should have full confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the work of other group authors. They will also be expected as individuals to complete conflict-of-interest disclosure forms.

The byline of the article identifies who is directly responsible for the manuscript, and Medline lists as authors whichever names appear on the byline. If the byline includes a group name, Medline will list the names of individual group members who are authors or who are collaborators, sometimes called non-author contributors, if there is a note associated with the byline clearly stating that the individual names are elsewhere in the paper and whether those names are authors or collaborators.

At The BMJ we want authors to assure us that all authors included on a paper fulfil the criteria of authorship. In addition we want assurance that there is no one else who fulfils the criteria but has not been included as an author.

When we encounter disagreements among authors we follow guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)—see here and here .

AI technologies will not be accepted as an author(s) of any content submitted to BMJ for publication. BMJ only recognises humans as being capable of authorship since they must be accountable for the work.

Contributorship

The BMJ lists contributors in two ways. Firstly, we publish a list of authors' names at the beginning of the paper and, secondly, we list contributors (some of whom may not be included as authors) at the end of the paper, giving details of who did what in planning, conducting, and reporting the work. This is a good place to include contributions by patients or members of the public who have assisted as research volunteers, giving their names and specific roles. We encourage authors to fully acknowledge the contribution of patients and the public to their research where appropriate.

One or more of these contributors are listed as guarantors of the paper. The guarantor accepts full responsibility for the work and/or the conduct of the study, had access to the data, and controlled the decision to publish. See Maintaining the integrity of the scientific record.

Contributorship and guarantorship are concepts that were applied first to original research papers, and are sometimes hard to define for other articles. Each contributorship statement should make clear who has contributed what to the planning, conduct, and reporting of the work described in the article, and should identify one, or occasionally more, contributor(s) as being responsible for the overall content as guarantor(s). For articles in The BMJ that do not report original research - such as editorials, clinical reviews, and education and debate - please state who had the idea for the article, who performed the literature search, who wrote the article, and who is the guarantor (the contributor who accepts full responsibility for the finished article, had access to any data, and controlled the decision to publish). For non-research articles that include case reports such as lessons of the week, drug points, and interactive case reports, please also state who identified and/or managed the case(s).

Researchers must determine among themselves the precise nature of each person's contribution, and we encourage open discussion among all participants. See Authorship is dying; long live contributorship.

Alteration to authorship or contributorship

Any change in authors and/or contributors after initial submission must be approved by all authors. This applies to additions, deletions, change of order to the authors, or contributions being attributed differently. Any alterations must be explained to the editor. The editor may contact any of the authors and/or contributors to ascertain whether they have agreed to any alteration.

Group authorship

If there is a very large number of authors we may ask for confirmation that everyone listed met the ICMJE criteria for authorship. If they did, we may then require that the authors form a group whose name will appear in the article byline.

We appreciate that authors may be concerned that their work will not be properly recognised if they form a group, but this is unfounded. Medline guidance can handle group authorship and still give each individual due credit:

"When a group name for a specific consortium, committee, study group, or the like appears in an article byline, the personal names of the members of that group may be published in the article text. Such names are entered as collaborator names for the Medline citation."

Key points:

• A Medline citation may contain an array of personal author names, group (or corporate) author names, and collaborator names. • Personal author names are included in Medline when the author names appear in the article byline, or are explicitly identified anywhere else in the text of the article as the authors or as the members of the writing group or writing committee for the article. • Group author names (also known as corporate, organization or collective names) are included in Medline when such names appear in the article byline. • When a group name for a specific consortium, committee, study group, or the like appears in an article byline, the personal names of the members of that group may be published in the article text. Such names are entered as collaborator names for the Medline citation. • Collaborator names are entered for a Medline citation only when a group (corporate) author name is present for the citation. • More than one group name may appear for a citation, and a group name may appear along with personal author names. • For articles that represent a formal guideline or practice guideline, the name of the guideline-issuing body is entered as a group name for the Medline citation, even if that name does not appear in the article byline.

What this means for The BMJ 's authors

a) if authors form a group for the article's main byline they will also be listed individually:

• As collaborators in the article's Medline/PubMed record; • As authors in a group authorship statement at the end of the article on thebmj.com; and • As contributors in the contributorship statement at the end of the article on thebmj.com.

b) however, for The BMJ 's research articles with many authors, where those authors do not opt to form a group, we will not be able to publish a BMJ pico in the print issue of The BMJ . Such research articles will be for online only (thebmj.com) publication only.

Here's a research article in The BMJ with group authorship as it appeared on Medline, with all collaborators clearly listed as individuals:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20123835

And here's how the individual authors for that article were listed on thebmj.com:

1. What appeared at the top of the article and was dowloadable to citation manager:

Effect of a collector bag for measurement of postpartum blood loss after vaginal delivery: cluster randomised trial in 13 European countries. Wei-Hong Zhang, Catherine Deneux-Tharaux, Peter Brocklehurst, Edmund Juszczak, Matthew Joslin, Sophie Alexander, on behalf of the EUPHRATES Group. BMJ 2010;340:c293, doi: 10.1136/bmj.c293 (Published 1 February 2010)

2. What appeared at the end of the article in an authorship statement:

The following are members of EUPHRATES (EUropean Project on obstetric Haemorrhage, Reduction, Attitudes, Trial and Early warning System): Sophie Alexander (project leader, Belgium), Diogo Ayres-de-Campos (Portugal), Istvan Berbik (Hungary), Marie-Hélène Bouvier-Colle (France), Gérard Bréart (France), Peter Brocklehurst (UK), Vicenç Cararach (Spain), Anna Maria Marconi (Italy), Catherine Deneux-Tharaux (France), Risto Erkkola (Finland), Mathias Klein (Austria), Jens Langhoff-Roos (Denmark), Alison Macfarlane (UK), Walter Prendiville (Republic of Ireland), Jos van Roosmalen (Netherlands), Babill Stray-Pedersen (Norway), Carolyn Troeger (Switzerland), Clare Winter (UK), and Wei-Hong Zhang (Belgium). Also see web extra for a list of people who helped in each country.

3. What appeared at the end of the article in the contributorship statement:

Contributors: W-HZ designed data collection tools, monitored data collection for the whole trial, wrote the statistical analysis plan, cleaned and analysed the data, and drafted and revised the paper. She is guarantor. CD-T implemented the trial in France, analysed the data, and drafted and revised the paper. PB analysed the data and drafted and revised the paper. EJ wrote the statistical analysis plan, monitored data collection for the whole trial, and revised the draft paper. MJ designed data collection tools,, monitored data collection for the whole trial, and revised the draft paper. SA initiated the collaborative project, designed data collection tools, implemented the trial for the all countries, monitored data collection for the whole trial, analysed the data, and drafted and revised the paper. All members of EUPHRATES designed the trial. Diogo Ayres-de-Campos, Istvan Berbik, Marie-Hélène Bouvier-Colle, Vicenç Cararach, Risto Erkkola, Mathias Klein, Walter Prendiville, Jos van Roosmalen, Babill Stray-Pedersen, and Carolyn Troeger implemented the trial in, respectively, Portugal, Hungary, France, Spain, Finland, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland, and revised the draft paper. Gérard Bréart analysed the data and revised the draft paper. Alison Macfarlane and Clare Winter revised the draft paper.

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• Published: 03 September 2021

What makes an author

Nature Methods volume  18 ,  page 983 ( 2021 ) Cite this article

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• Research management

Constructing a fair and accurate author list can be one of the most fraught aspects of manuscript publication. We provide some advice and resources for authors at all career levels.

The acknowledgement of scientific contributions in the form of manuscript authorship is vital at all stages of a researcher’s career, from the well-established principal investigator applying for million-dollar grants to the undergraduate student applying to PhD programs. It’s essential that authorship lists are constructed with utmost care.

The variety of authorship practices across the scientific literature, however, is vast. Different fields, different countries, even different labs have different norms. Some practices are troubling: lab technicians not included for their major contributions to a study because they are not on an academic track; contributors removed from author lists due to personal disputes; researchers who have not substantially contributed added to papers (in a misguided attempt to increase ‘impact’) without their consent; senior scientists taking advantage of power imbalance to undeservedly gain publications.

Even researchers with the best intentions can struggle with finalizing a fair and accurate author list. Here, we provide some best practice guidelines and explain how Nature Methods handles authorship issues.

First of all, community guidelines for authorship are available. Nature Portfolio’s authorship policies are based on guidelines developed by McNutt et al. ( Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 115 , 2557–2560, 2018). Other guidelines in common use include those from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors . As defined by Nature Portfolio, an author listed on a paper should have made a substantial contribution to the design of the work, the collection or analysis of data, the creation of a software tool, or the writing of the paper. This policy is meant to be broad and flexible, leaving “substantial contribution” up for quite a bit of room for interpretation.

In our view, job title or rank should never exclude a potential author. The lab technician or core facility scientist who developed a custom experimental workflow for the study should be included as an author. The first-year rotation student who spent several weeks collecting data should be included as an author. The software engineer who made substantial developments to an existing algorithm to analyze the data should be included as an author.

That said, not just any kind of assistance justifies authorship. People who provided routine services or basic technical help, contributed resources (such as by giving plasmids), proofread the manuscript, or gave general advice but did not otherwise significantly contribute to the scientific content of the paper should be thanked in the Acknowledgements. If previously published datasets or software tools are utilized in a new study without further development from their generators, there is no need to name them as authors. Even the person who secured funding need not necessarily be an author on a paper—they too ought to have scientifically contributed in a meaningful way. This is almost unheard of in lab-based science, where a principal investigator typically supervises the design of experiments and analysis of the resulting data, but it’s relatively common practice in, for example, computer science for grad students to publish sole-author papers.

Though different research fields have different traditions, the custom in life sciences research is to name the person or people who did the bulk of the research first, followed by other contributors in descending order of the significance of their contributions, with the principal investigator(s) named at the very end of the list. Disputes often arise over who is named first on a paper. Most journals allow co-first-authorship designations to recognize cases of equal contribution, but one name must necessarily come first; the research community should take care to recognize these equal contributions. Those listed second should not feel that their contributions are minimized in any way.

Project managers should make defining authorship and authorship order a priority of a new study. Students and postdocs, collaborators, and service providers should speak up if authorship is not discussed early on. Setting clear parameters and communicating openly from the outset of a research study—in some cases even by signing formal authorship agreements—can go a long way toward preventing disputes and hurt feelings down the line.

All authors on a paper have a responsibility for at least part of its content. Nature Portfolio journals require author contribution statements, which in our view are crucial to clarify each author’s role and responsibilities, to assign credit where it is due, to discourage the practice of including authors who did not significantly contribute to the study, and to assign accountability in (rare) cases of misconduct. The corresponding author, the main point of contact with a journal, has extra responsibilities. They are tasked with communicating with all coauthors at the submission, revision and final acceptance stages, including ensuring that all are satisfied with the manuscript text and content. The corresponding author must also check that all coauthors agree with changes to the author list, that any competing interests are declared, and that the paper complies with all of the journal’s policies regarding data, materials and code sharing. Note that the journal corresponding author need not be the same person as the corresponding author(s) listed on the published paper, who take responsibility for post-publication inquiries.

We encourage our authors to speak up to let us know when best practices for authorship are not being followed. However, our editorial power is limited to delaying review or publication until disputes can be resolved, making corrections to papers, adding an ‘editorial expression of concern’ or, in very rare cases, retracting a paper. We rely on authors to behave responsibly and we cannot investigate or adjudicate authorship disputes. We advise those embroiled in disputes to seek help from their department head, university or other employer. We also recommend speaking to an experienced neutral party familiar with the study for advice—it’s human nature to often overestimate our own contributions, but it’s right to speak up about unfair treatment.

Unfortunately, we do not have the space to cover all possible authorship scenarios in this short piece. We look forward to answering your questions and perhaps sparking some lively discussion on Twitter, where you can follow us at @naturemethods .

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08 Things One Must Know About Corresponding Author in a Research Paper

In the world of academia and scientific research, the publication of research papers holds immense value, serving as a gateway to disseminating knowledge, sharing discoveries, and advancing the collective understanding of various disciplines. Behind each scholarly article lies a team of dedicated researchers, and among them stands a pivotal figure known as the “Corresponding Author.” This individual shoulders a crucial responsibility, acting as the primary point of contact between the research team and the journal or conference where the paper is submitted.

In this blog post, we shall explore the multifaceted role of the corresponding author in a research paper, unravelling the significance of this position and shedding light on its various dimensions. From understanding the core responsibilities that come with this designation to addressing common questions and misconceptions, we will embark on a journey to grasp the intricacies of the corresponding author’s role in the publication process.

Introduction

Importance of designating a corresponding author in multi-author papers:, can there be more than one corresponding author in a research paper, coordinating co-authors and obtaining their approval:, handling post-publication inquiries and comments:, mediating conflicts and disputes, if any:, dealing with consent and copyright matters:, possible reasons for wanting to change the corresponding author:, challenges and considerations in making such a change:, discussing the impact of such changes on the published paper and its authors:, corresponding author:, main author:, contributions of both roles in a research paper:, whether the corresponding author is typically the first author:, pros of designating multiple corresponding authors:, cons of designating multiple corresponding authors:, contributing author:, roles of various authors in a research paper:, considerations and potential benefits of having a student as the corresponding author:.

In the vast realm of academia and scientific exploration, research papers stand as the lifeblood of knowledge dissemination and progress. These scholarly articles are the vehicles through which researchers share their groundbreaking findings, innovative ideas, and rigorous investigations with the global scientific community. As such, research papers play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of various disciplines, paving the way for advancements and breakthroughs that fuel intellectual growth and societal development.

Within this landscape of collaborative research efforts, a key figure emerges – the “Corresponding Author.” This individual holds a position of utmost importance, acting as the linchpin that connects the research team to the larger scientific world. The corresponding author assumes a multifaceted role, with responsibilities that extend far beyond simply contributing to the research itself.

In essence, the corresponding author can be likened to the ambassador of a research paper. When a study reaches its conclusion and the team is ready to share their discoveries with the world, the corresponding author steps forward to represent the collective effort and findings of the research team. They play a critical role in orchestrating the journey of the paper, from its inception to its final destination in reputable journals or conference proceedings.

The corresponding author is typically the point of contact for the editorial boards of journals or conference organizers. They serve as the conduit through which communication flows during the submission and review process, liaising with reviewers, responding to queries, and ensuring that the manuscript adheres to the journal’s guidelines and standards.

Consider a team of researchers who have collaborated on a groundbreaking study that could potentially revolutionize a field of science. They have meticulously conducted experiments, analyzed data, and composed a comprehensive research paper detailing their findings and conclusions. Now comes the critical moment of publication.

In this scenario, the corresponding author would be the one responsible for compiling and submitting the manuscript to relevant scientific journals. They would carefully craft the cover letter, detailing the significance of their research and explaining why it merits publication in that particular journal. Additionally, the corresponding author would coordinate with co-authors to finalize the manuscript and ensure that everyone approves of the submission.

As the submission process progresses, the journal’s editorial team may reach out to the corresponding author with questions, suggestions, or revision requests. The corresponding author would diligently address these inquiries, collaborating with co-authors to make necessary adjustments. In some cases, they might need to obtain additional data or clarifications from specific team members.

After a successful peer review, the corresponding author would be the point of contact for the journal’s editorial team when addressing reviewer comments and providing the revised version of the manuscript. Finally, when the paper is accepted for publication, the corresponding author would work with the journal to finalize the paper and ensure all copyright and publication requirements are met.

In this way, the corresponding author becomes the guardian of the research, safeguarding its integrity and ensuring that it navigates the publication process smoothly to reach its intended audience – fellow researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. Their tireless efforts and dedication play a pivotal role in the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of human understanding across the scientific landscape.

1. Who is a Corresponding Author in a Research Paper?

In the realm of academic publishing, a corresponding author is a pivotal role assigned to one of the co-authors of a research paper. This individual is entrusted with representing the research team and serving as the main point of contact during the submission, peer review, and publication process. The corresponding author acts as a bridge between the research team and the journal or conference where the paper is being submitted.

Research papers are often the culmination of collaborative efforts involving multiple researchers, each contributing their expertise to the study. In such cases, designating a corresponding author becomes essential to streamline communication and ensure efficient handling of the publication process. Without a corresponding author, coordinating and managing the submission and review process could become cumbersome, leading to potential delays and miscommunications.

Let’s consider a scenario where a team of researchers from different universities collaborates on a cutting-edge study in the field of medical research. This study involves several aspects, such as experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and manuscript writing. Each team member contributes significantly to the research and the eventual paper.

To avoid confusion and facilitate smooth communication with the journal, the research team designates one of the co-authors as the corresponding author. This individual, often chosen based on their expertise in the subject matter or their familiarity with the publication process, takes the lead in handling manuscript submission, responding to reviewer comments, and communicating with the editorial team.

Traditionally, research papers had only one corresponding author, primarily to streamline communication and avoid ambiguity during the publication process. However, in recent years, the practice of designating multiple corresponding authors has gained some acceptance in the scientific community.

In cases of large multi-institutional studies or research projects involving numerous collaborators, the research team might decide to have more than one corresponding author. This approach can be useful in distributing responsibilities, especially when the workload is substantial or when multiple aspects of the research require specific expertise.

For instance, in a research project involving both medical researchers and statisticians, the medical researchers may designate one corresponding author from their team, while the statisticians may designate another corresponding author from their team. This way, both groups can efficiently manage the submission and review process for their respective contributions to the paper.

However, it is essential to note that the practice of having multiple corresponding authors is not universally accepted, and some journals might not permit it. Therefore, researchers should carefully review the submission guidelines of the target journal to ensure compliance with their policies.

In summary, the corresponding author plays a crucial role in managing the publication process of a research paper. By designating a responsible and knowledgeable individual, research teams can navigate the complexities of academic publishing more effectively, ensuring that their findings reach the scientific community and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

2. Responsibilities of the Corresponding Author

The corresponding author shoulders the responsibility of preparing and submitting the research paper to the chosen journal or conference. This involves carefully adhering to the submission guidelines and ensuring that all required documents, such as cover letters, author disclosures, and supplementary materials, are provided. The corresponding author acts as the liaison between the research team and the journal’s editorial board during the submission process. They handle all communications, responding to queries from the journal and providing any additional information requested.

Imagine a team of environmental scientists conducting a comprehensive study on the impact of climate change on a particular ecosystem. Once their research is complete, the corresponding author prepares the manuscript according to the formatting guidelines specified by a respected environmental science journal. They ensure that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the paper before submission. The corresponding author then submits the manuscript through the journal’s online submission portal and promptly responds to any follow-up questions or requests for revisions from the journal’s editors.

In multi-author papers, the corresponding author is responsible for maintaining communication among all co-authors throughout the publication process. They coordinate efforts to finalize the manuscript, making sure all co-authors agree with the content, data, and conclusions presented in the paper. The corresponding author seeks input from co-authors on the responses to reviewer comments, addressing any concerns raised during the peer-review process.

A team of researchers collaborates on a groundbreaking study in the field of artificial intelligence, aiming to develop an innovative algorithm for speech recognition. As the corresponding author, one of the researchers takes charge of integrating feedback from all co-authors, including computer scientists, linguists, and machine learning experts. They ensure that the manuscript reflects a cohesive representation of the team’s work and that everyone is satisfied with the final version before submitting it for publication.

Once the paper is published, the corresponding author continues to play a significant role in addressing inquiries and comments from readers and fellow researchers. They respond to emails or messages requesting additional information, clarifications, or opportunities for collaboration. They also take the lead in addressing any errors or corrections that may arise post-publication.

After the publication of the AI speech recognition research paper, interested researchers and technology enthusiasts reach out to the corresponding author with questions about the methodology used in the study. The corresponding author promptly replies to each inquiry, providing detailed explanations and sharing additional insights. They may also collaborate with co-authors to prepare responses to inquiries that require expertise in specific areas.

In collaborative research endeavours, disagreements or conflicts may occasionally arise among co-authors regarding authorship attribution, data interpretation, or the direction of the research. The corresponding author plays a critical role in resolving such conflicts by facilitating open communication, listening to all perspectives, and striving to find a fair and ethical resolution.

In a collaborative study involving researchers from different cultural backgrounds, differing interpretations of certain data points lead to a dispute among co-authors. As the corresponding author, one of the researchers takes the initiative to schedule a virtual meeting where all co-authors can discuss their viewpoints and concerns openly. Through respectful dialogue and a focus on finding common ground, the corresponding author helps the team reach a consensus on how to address the disputed data in the final manuscript.

The corresponding author ensures that all necessary permissions and consents have been obtained before submitting the paper for publication. This includes obtaining consent from all co-authors, as well as any necessary permissions to use copyrighted material, such as figures or tables, in the manuscript. The corresponding author may also be responsible for handling copyright transfer agreements with the journal or conference organizers.

A team of medical researchers conducts a study involving patient data and images. The corresponding author ensures that all co-authors have reviewed and provided consent for the use of patient data in the paper. Additionally, they obtain permission from the hospital or institution to use the images and comply with the journal’s requirements for handling sensitive patient information. The corresponding author also signs the copyright transfer agreement on behalf of all co-authors, granting the journal the right to publish and distribute the research.

In conclusion, the responsibilities of the corresponding author extend far beyond the preparation of the manuscript. This key figure plays a vital role in facilitating effective communication, ensuring collaboration among co-authors, addressing inquiries from the scientific community, and upholding ethical standards in the publication process. By managing these responsibilities with diligence and integrity, the corresponding author contributes significantly to the successful publication and dissemination of valuable research findings.

I have written articles where the corresponding author plays a key role between the co-authors and journals. Please visit the articles listed below for further details.

• “ 5 Proven Steps to Change Author Email Id in a Published Research Paper”
• “ How to Change Author Name on a Previously Published Research Paper? “
• “ 4 Easy Steps to Withdraw Author Name from a Research Paper “
• “Can I Change My Research Paper Title Before or After Publication in a Research Journal?”

3. Can I Change the Corresponding Author in an Already Published Paper?

Changing the corresponding author in an already published paper is a rare occurrence and typically takes place under exceptional circumstances. While journals generally discourage such changes, some situations may arise where it becomes necessary or unavoidable. One such scenario could be when the originally designated corresponding author is no longer affiliated with the institution or unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, such as personal reasons, health issues, or career changes.

Several reasons may prompt the need for changing the corresponding author in an already published paper:

• Affiliation Change: If the original corresponding author changes institutions or affiliations, they may no longer have access to the resources or institutional support required to handle post-publication inquiries and administrative responsibilities effectively.
• Unavailability: In some cases, the originally designated corresponding author might become unavailable or unreachable, making it challenging to address post-publication inquiries or fulfill the responsibilities associated with the role.
• Career Progression: The corresponding author might be a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher at the time of publication, and their career might have progressed significantly since then. As they transition to new roles or institutions, they may find it more appropriate to transfer the corresponding authorship to a co-author who can better handle the ongoing responsibilities.
• Personal Reasons: Personal circumstances, such as health issues or family emergencies, may arise, preventing the original corresponding author from continuing their role in managing post-publication matters.

Changing the corresponding author in an already published paper presents several challenges and considerations:

• Journal Policies: Journals typically have specific policies regarding authorship changes post-publication. Some journals may permit changes only under exceptional circumstances, while others may not allow any modifications to the published authorship.
• Consent from Co-Authors: Before making any changes, the consent of all co-authors is vital. The decision to change the corresponding author should be reached through mutual agreement and understanding among all co-authors.
• Maintaining the Paper’s Integrity: Changing the corresponding author should not alter the integrity of the published paper. The research findings, data, and conclusions should remain unchanged.
• Publication Ethics: Any changes must adhere to publication ethics guidelines. Ethical considerations include ensuring that authorship is not manipulated to gain unwarranted credit or minimize accountability.

Changing the corresponding author can have implications on the published paper and its authors:

• Responsibility Transfer: The newly appointed corresponding author assumes responsibility for managing post-publication inquiries, corrections, and updates.
• Credibility and Recognition: Changing the corresponding author does not alter the contributions of the other co-authors. Each author’s contributions and affiliations remain the same.
• Acknowledging the Change: Journals may publish a formal correction notice to acknowledge the change in the corresponding authorship.
• Visibility and Communication: After the change, the newly designated corresponding author becomes the primary point of contact for future communications related to the paper.
• Authorship Order: Changing the corresponding author does not impact the order of authors listed in the published paper. The authorship order should remain consistent with the original publication.

It is crucial to note that changing the corresponding author should be approached with caution and undertaken only when genuinely necessary. Researchers considering such changes should carefully review the policies of the relevant journal, seek input and consent from all co-authors, and ensure that ethical and publication standards are upheld to maintain the integrity of the published work.

4. Corresponding Author vs. Main Author

In a research paper, the corresponding author and the main author are distinct roles, each with specific responsibilities in the publication process.

• The corresponding author serves as the primary point of contact between the research team and the journal or conference where the paper is submitted.
• They handle all communication with the editorial board, reviewers, and readers, and are responsible for managing the submission and review process.
• The corresponding author’s name and contact details are usually provided in the published paper to facilitate post-publication communication.
• The main author, also known as the first author or lead author, is the individual who has made the most significant contribution to the research and writing of the paper.
• They are typically the researcher who conducted the majority of the experiments, gathered and analyzed the data, and played a central role in writing the manuscript.
• The main author’s name appears first in the list of authors and is often considered the primary contributor to the study.

In a multi-author research paper, each author contributes to the study in various ways, and the corresponding author and the main author play critical but distinct roles:

Consider a research paper that presents the findings of a collaborative study on a new potential treatment for a specific medical condition:

• Main Author: Dr. Emily Thompson, a medical researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and patient care, takes the lead in this study. She designs the clinical trial, collects and analyzes the patient data, and prepares the initial draft of the manuscript.
• Corresponding Author: Prof. Michael Johnson, the senior researcher overseeing the project, is designated as the corresponding author. He provides guidance and expertise throughout the research process, assists in manuscript preparation, and ensures that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final version before submission.

In this example, Dr. Emily Thompson’s contributions as the main author are indispensable. Her expertise in clinical trials and patient care is instrumental in the successful execution of the study. She is responsible for the bulk of the research work, making her the primary contributor to the study’s scientific content.

On the other hand, Prof. Michael Johnson’s role as the corresponding author is equally vital. He takes charge of the manuscript’s submission to a reputable medical journal, communicates with the journal’s editorial board, and ensures that all necessary documents are in order. His experience as a seasoned researcher and his network of contacts facilitate a smooth publication process, ultimately allowing the research findings to reach a wider audience.

It is essential to recognize that both the main author and the corresponding author make crucial contributions to the research paper. While the main author’s expertise drives the scientific content, the corresponding author’s organizational skills and communication play a pivotal role in getting the research recognized and published. The collaboration between these roles ensures that valuable research findings can be effectively shared with the scientific community and beyond, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and potential benefits to society.

5. Is the Corresponding Author Always the First Author?

Authorship order in a research paper carries essential information about the relative contributions of the authors to the study. The order of authors serves as a way to acknowledge and attribute their roles in the research process. While the exact conventions for authorship order can vary between disciplines and research groups, certain common principles are often followed:

• First Author: The first author is typically the individual who has made the most substantial contribution to the research project. They are often the one who conducted the majority of the experiments, performed data analysis, and played a primary role in writing the manuscript. In many fields, being the first author is considered prestigious, as it signifies the lead role in the study.
• Last Author: The last author is usually the senior researcher or principal investigator (PI) who oversaw and supervised the entire project. They provide guidance, mentorship, funding, and overall direction to the research. In many cases, the last author is the corresponding author, but this is not always the case.
• Middle Authors: Authors listed between the first and last authors are considered co-authors and have contributed significantly to the research. The order of middle authors might reflect the level of their contributions, but it can also be alphabetical or based on other conventions established within the research group or field.

The corresponding author is not necessarily the first author, although it is a common convention in many research papers. The corresponding author is designated to handle the communication and administrative responsibilities related to the publication process, but this role is distinct from the first author, who is responsible for the primary research and writing efforts.

Let’s consider a study in the field of astronomy, where a team of researchers collaborates on a significant discovery of a new celestial phenomenon:

• First Author: Dr. Sarah Adams, an astrophysicist with expertise in data analysis and simulations, leads the research efforts. She processes and analyzes the astronomical data, develops the simulation models, and is the main contributor to the manuscript writing.
• Last Author and Corresponding Author: Prof. John Smith, the head of the astronomy department and the PI of the project, serves as the last author and corresponding author. He provided funding, guidance, and overall direction for the study. As the corresponding author, he handles manuscript submission, communication with the journal, and coordination with co-authors.
• Middle Authors: The list of middle authors includes other researchers who made significant contributions to the data collection, data analysis, and validation of the findings. The order of these middle authors might reflect their contributions or follow conventions established within the research group.

In this example, Dr. Sarah Adams is the first author due to her significant contributions to the research, leading the data analysis and simulations. On the other hand, Prof. John Smith, as the corresponding author, handles the administrative aspects and communication with the journal. Despite being the corresponding author, Prof. Smith’s role as the last author signifies his seniority and overall guidance in the research project.

Overall, the corresponding author and the first author have distinct roles in a research paper. While the first author is recognized for their primary contributions to the research, the corresponding author takes charge of managing the publication process and acting as the point of contact with the journal. The collaboration between these roles ensures that both the scientific content and the administrative aspects of the research are handled effectively, leading to a successful publication and dissemination of valuable research findings.

6. Co-Corresponding Authors

Can There Be Co-Corresponding Authors in a Research Paper?

There can be co-corresponding authors in a research paper. Co-corresponding authorship is a practice where two or more authors share the responsibilities of the corresponding author. It is becoming increasingly common in collaborative research projects, especially those involving large research teams or multi-institutional studies.

• Shared Responsibilities: Having co-corresponding authors allows for the distribution of administrative responsibilities. Each co-corresponding author can handle specific aspects of the publication process, making it more manageable, particularly for complex or extensive studies.
• Expertise and Representation: Co-corresponding authors may represent different areas of expertise within the research team. For example, one co-corresponding author may have expertise in the experimental aspects of the study, while another may specialize in data analysis or clinical applications. This ensures that the expertise of all relevant team members is adequately represented during the publication process.
• Efficient Communication: With multiple corresponding authors, there is a higher likelihood of prompt responses to journal queries or reviewer comments, as the workload is shared among the co-corresponding authors. This can lead to quicker turnaround times during the peer-review process.
• Inclusivity and Collaboration: Designating multiple corresponding authors fosters a sense of collaboration and inclusivity within the research team. All co-corresponding authors are recognized for their contributions and dedication to the project.
• Potential for Miscommunication: Coordinating between multiple corresponding authors may lead to miscommunication if roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined. It is essential to establish effective communication channels and clarify each co-corresponding author’s tasks.
• Journal Policies and Recognition: Some journals might not permit co-corresponding authors, or they may have specific guidelines regarding this practice. Additionally, listing multiple corresponding authors may affect the visibility and recognition of individual contributions by readers or indexing databases.
• Decision-Making Challenges: Disagreements or differences in opinion among co-corresponding authors may arise, particularly when making critical decisions during the publication process. Resolving such conflicts requires open and respectful communication.

A research team comprised of scientists from different countries collaborates on a groundbreaking study in the field of renewable energy. This comprehensive study involves extensive experimental work, data analysis, and theoretical modelling. Given the scale of the research and the diverse expertise of the team members, the team decides to have two co-corresponding authors to manage the publication process effectively.

• Co-Corresponding Author 1: Dr. Mia Johnson, an expert in experimental physics, oversees the laboratory work and data collection for the study. She is responsible for preparing the manuscript and coordinating with the journal during the submission and peer-review process.
• Co-Corresponding Author 2: Dr. Raj Patel, a computational scientist specializing in numerical simulations, takes charge of data analysis and theoretical modelling for the research. He collaborates with Dr. Johnson in manuscript preparation and handles communication with the journal during revisions and responses to reviewer comments.

In this example, both Dr. Mia Johnson and Dr. Raj Patel share the responsibilities of the corresponding author. Dr. Johnson primarily focuses on the experimental aspects, while Dr. Patel contributes with his expertise in data analysis and simulations. This co-corresponding authorship ensures that both experimental and theoretical aspects of the research are adequately represented, facilitating a smooth and comprehensive publication process.

In conclusion, co-corresponding authors can be designated in research papers to share administrative responsibilities, represent diverse areas of expertise, and promote collaboration within the research team. While there are potential challenges, clarifying roles and maintaining effective communication can make co-corresponding authorship a successful approach in managing the publication process for complex and collaborative research endeavours.

7. Contributing Author vs. Corresponding Author

In a research paper, various authors play distinct roles based on their contributions to the study and their responsibilities in the publication process:

• A contributing author is any individual who has made a meaningful and significant contribution to the research project.
• Their contributions may include data collection, experimentation, data analysis, writing specific sections of the manuscript, providing critical feedback, or offering substantial intellectual input to the study.
• Contributing authors are listed in the byline of the paper, reflecting their involvement in the research and their academic contributions to the study.
• They share ownership of the research findings and are accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the reported work.
• The corresponding author serves as the main point of contact between the research team and the journal or conference where the paper is submitted.
• They are responsible for manuscript submission, communication with the journal’s editorial board and reviewers, and handling post-publication inquiries and comments.
• The corresponding author is designated to manage the administrative aspects of the publication process but may or may not have been the primary contributor to the research itself.
• Their contact information is usually provided in the published paper, allowing readers and other researchers to reach out for additional information or collaborations.

The roles of various authors in a research paper can vary based on their contributions and the nature of the research project:

Let’s consider a study conducted on the biodiversity of a tropical rainforest:

• Contributing Author 1: Dr. Lisa Adams, a botanist, spends months in the rainforest collecting plant specimens and conducting field surveys. Her expertise in identifying plant species is instrumental in determining the botanical diversity of the area. Dr. Adams also contributes significantly to writing the section of the manuscript related to plant diversity and assists in data analysis.
• Contributing Author 2: Dr. Mark Johnson, an entomologist, specializes in insect taxonomy and ecology. He conducts extensive surveys of insects in the rainforest, identifying new species and documenting their ecological roles. Dr. Johnson writes the section of the manuscript focusing on insect diversity and contributes to the discussion of ecological interactions among species.
• Contributing Author 3: Dr. Sophia Chen, a statistical analyst, is responsible for analyzing the large dataset generated by Dr. Adams and Dr. Johnson. She uses advanced statistical methods to determine patterns of biodiversity and provides valuable insights into the ecological relationships among various organisms.
• Corresponding Author: Prof. Michael Lee, the senior researcher overseeing the project, takes on the role of the corresponding author. He guides the research team throughout the study, securing funding, providing overall direction, and facilitating collaboration among the contributing authors. Prof. Lee oversees the manuscript preparation, communicates with the journal, and ensures that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final version before submission.

In this example, Dr. Lisa Adams, Dr. Mark Johnson, and Dr. Sophia Chen are contributing authors because they have each made significant and distinct contributions to the research project. They represent different areas of expertise (botany, entomology, and statistics) and have actively participated in data collection, analysis, and manuscript writing.

On the other hand, Prof. Michael Lee, as the corresponding author, manages the publication process and communication with the journal. While he may have contributed intellectually to the study, his primary role lies in facilitating and coordinating the collaborative research effort.

8. Can a Student Be a Corresponding Author?

A student can be a corresponding author in a research paper. There are no strict rules prohibiting students from assuming the corresponding author role. The designation of the corresponding author is typically based on the individual’s ability to fulfill the responsibilities associated with the position, regardless of their academic status.

• Significant Contributions: If a student has played a leading role in conceptualizing and conducting the research, as well as in writing the manuscript, they may be an appropriate choice for the corresponding author. Their contributions and dedication to the project justify their eligibility for this responsibility.
• Learning Opportunity: Assuming the corresponding author role offers students valuable experience in managing the publication process and interacting with journals and reviewers. It provides them with insights into the world of academic publishing and enhances their research and communication skills.
• Recognition and Visibility: Being listed as the corresponding author in a published paper can enhance the student’s visibility within the scientific community. It can also be a positive addition to their academic and professional profile, especially if the research is well-regarded in the field.
• Supervisory Support: Students who take on the corresponding author role often work closely with their supervisors and mentors. This collaboration can provide guidance and support to ensure that the publication process proceeds smoothly.

Let’s consider a scenario where a graduate student, Emily, conducts a research study on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Emily’s project involves extensive fieldwork, data analysis, and developing a comprehensive research manuscript. She dedicates significant effort and time to the study, making substantial contributions to the research project.

Given Emily’s dedication and primary role in the research, her supervisor and co-authors acknowledge her as the corresponding author. Emily takes charge of manuscript preparation, communicating with co-authors, and submitting the research paper to a reputable marine science journal.

Despite being a student, Emily is well-qualified for the corresponding author role due to her contributions and her ability to handle the publication process effectively. The journal recognizes her as the corresponding author, and the research is successfully published.

In this example, Emily’s eligibility as a corresponding author is based on her dedication, contributions, and mentorship and support provided by her supervisor and co-authors. Assuming this responsibility offers Emily a valuable learning opportunity and enhances her reputation as a budding researcher in marine science.

In conclusion, students can indeed be corresponding authors in research papers, provided they have made significant contributions to the study and are capable of managing the publication process. The eligibility for the corresponding author role is not restricted by academic status, but rather by the individual’s ability to fulfil the responsibilities associated with this significant position in the publication process.

Behind each publication lies a dedicated team of authors, each with distinct roles and responsibilities that collectively contribute to the success of the research endeavour. Understanding the significance of various authorship roles is crucial for fostering collaboration, recognizing contributions, and upholding ethical practices in the publication process.

The corresponding author serves as the linchpin that binds the research team with the scientific community. With adept organizational skills and effective communication, they navigate the intricate landscape of manuscript submission, peer review, and post-publication interactions. While often responsible for coordinating the publication process, the corresponding author need not always be the first author or the primary contributor to the research. Their expertise lies in ensuring the paper’s journey from conception to publication is a smooth and fruitful one.

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How to Decide the First Author and Corresponding Author in a Manuscript

When a scholarly/academic paper is produced, the researchers participating in the work must assign a first author and corresponding author. This is a challenging decision and sometimes there’s conflict because the positions can also indicate status (whether real or perceived).

The first author and corresponding author, ideally, are decided during the research and through a mutual agreement among the authors. It’s made based on an understanding of the role and significance of the positions. The author order generally indicates the amount of contribution.

The first author is considered to have contributed more than the second author, and so forth, until reaching the author in the last position. A shared first author (co-first author) or shared corresponding author (co-corresponding author), however, isn’t out of the question.

The last position may also be prestigious – considered the senior author or principal investigator. One of the authors in the list will also be the corresponding author. This means they coordinate the publication process (such as arranging editing and communicating with the journal and with other inquiries) and have their contact information shown upfront in the work.

• What you’ll learn in this post
• The differences between first author and corresponding author (and what’s a senior author?).
• How first author and corresponding author are defined.
• How to fairly determine which author(s) will fulfill which role(s).
• When and why the same person might fulfill both roles.

Determining the author order

What defines the first author, some of the main duties of a first author are:, what defines a corresponding author, some of the corresponding author’s main duties are:, and who is the senior author, a few words on guarantors, can the first and the corresponding authors be the same person, how do you decide who does what role what are the potential ethical issues.

The order of authors should reasonably correspond to how the authors contributed to the work. It also implies specific credit and responsibilities that go with being in these positions. Working it out over a cup of tea or coffee as soon as possible can help to avoid disputes, and even mediation , later on.

The issue of determining a senior author is also a bit challenging. You need to understand these roles and responsibilities. Don’t just think about who gets the most credit.

Publishing in a scientific journal or any peer-reviewed publication, including preprints and poster presentations , makes research visible to the greater public. It brings discoveries and insights into the eyes of the main experts around the world. This, in turn, builds the author’s reputation as a researcher.

Having a good list of published papers can also help achieve some career goals, such as getting a degree, a promotion or, as a scientist, getting funding to continue with research. The number of first-author papers may also be looked upon as a positive metric.

An “author” (having authorship) of a paper must meet certain criteria for their contributions. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICJME) guidelines state authorship must at least include:

• made substantial contributions to work
• approved the final version
• assumed responsibility and accountability for what is published

However, while the minimum requirements for authorship are generally agreed upon, the credit/responsibility given to a specific author list isn’t so clear. The position on the list can determine the author’s expected duties and show the readers how the author contributed to the work.

So let’s take a deeper look at the definitions of these positions. Hopefully, this will help in your decision-making process. It may in fact affect your future career and status.

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The first author is usually the person who makes the greatest practical/intellectual contributions to the work.

This person might have co-authors’ assistance with specific tasks, but they are the main responsible one for acquiring and analyzing the data, and for writing the final manuscript.

The first position in the authorship list of a paper is the most attractive one. First authors will have their (last) name mentioned in every future citation of the work, no matter how many other authors there are.

There can also be co-first authors. This is common in projects that require different areas of expertise. It’s also used where it’s hard to figure out who made a larger contribution. Two or even three authors can be listed as equal contributors.

The co-first authors are denoted by an asterisk or other symbol (for example, “ Author A*, Author B*, Author C, Author D.. ”) and a note on the first page.

But even then, the person listed first will continue to be the most visible. This is because of how citations are created. To give equal credit to both first authors, an alternative is to cite the paper as “ Author A & Author B et al .”., instead of “ Author A et al. ”

• Make intellectual contributions to the work. Participate in the conception and planning of the study; define aims and trace a methodological approach to achieve them.
• Generate the data. For instance, perform experiments, conduct literature reviews, write programming code, etc.
• Analyze the results. Generate graphs , tables , and illustrations to convey the data, and perform statistical analyses when needed.
• Write and edit the manuscript.
• Help the corresponding author with referees’ queries when the paper is under revision.

The corresponding author is responsible for bringing together the manuscript, and for the whole process of submitting it to a journal, up to (hopefully!) final acceptance. Of course, the corresponding author also must meet the academic authorship requirements.

The ICJME defines a corresponding author as someone who takes primary responsibility for communication with the journal during the manuscript submission, peer review, and publication process.

In that sense, the corresponding author is also responsible for ensuring that all the journal’s administrative requirements are fulfilled. This can include providing documents related to ethics committee approval, data and signatures from all authors, and conflict of interest (COI) statements.

In line with this, the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) says the corresponding author should be someone willing to fulfill all obligations the journal stipulates ( COPE Discussion Document , 2014).

The corresponding author’s contact details are included in the article. This makes them the representative for inquiries about the work. A good corresponding author must therefore be readily available. All communications with journals or readers should be done in a timely way.

English ability is also a big help if you’re the corresponding author and you want to publish in English. You’re usually the person whom I , as the editor, will be communicating with when you choose an editing service.

• Certify the manuscript contains all the necessary parts, it is appropriately organized, and it complies with the journal’s requirements. Upload the manuscript and other files.
• Make sure all authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript before submission. Get signed consent.
• Be in charge of all communications related to the paper. Distribute notifications to all authors (e.g., emails, peer review feedback , decision letters).
• Meet all deadlines,­ communicate with the authors and editors efficiently, and follow time schedules for publication.
• Ensure all editorial and submission policies are followed.

Note: Although there’s common sense on the main roles of a corresponding author, some of the responsibilities involved can change from one journal to another (e.g., see this list , created by the National Academy of Sciences, with different journals and their respective requirements).

The senior author is the person who provides the intellectual input and helps to design the study and the protocols to be followed. This is especially because they’re experts in that field of research.

They are also sometimes the financial driving force behind the study and generally supervise several projects. For these reasons, they are also known as the “ principal investigator .” They usually have broad experience in publishing processes, and their names appear in the last positions of the author list.

Honestly, the senior author is often the lab leader or simply the person in charge. For the work they’ve put into this to date, they earned this honor.

Some journals now ask for one author on a paper to be listed as a guarantor. The guarantor:

• accepts official responsibility for the overall integrity of the manuscript (including ethics, data handling, reporting of results, and study conduct)
• does not act as the primary correspondent for the manuscript
• ensures all statements in the manuscript are true to his knowledge

The guarantor can be the same as the corresponding author, or can be another of the authors.

It’s often recommended that the Principal Investigator or Senior Researcher on a manuscript act as the guarantor as they will be responsible for the study supervision already; however, this is not explicitly required.

Yes, first authors can also be corresponding authors in a manuscript. In fact, it’s quite common.

The main conflict here is when authors equate being a corresponding author with seniority. Senior authors are often viewed as the perfect corresponding authors because of all the qualities they have, as mentioned.

However, as discussed, a corresponding author is charged with communicating with editors and readers only. Journal editors usually see this as an administrative role. Therefore, the corresponding author doesn’t necessarily have to be the seniormost author.

While there’s a special responsibility involved in this role, it’s not supposed to be a mark of distinction. Also, most senior authors will probably have less available time to reply to queries during the submission review process. And they may not have time to respond to reader queries in the future.

So, first authors should be expected to serve as corresponding authors. This is the case as long as they’re consistently involved in the study and know-how to go through the submission/publication process.

This includes deciding on the need for scientific editing if the English needs improving. The role can also help them gain experience in corresponding with journals and general readers.

Even when the first and corresponding authors aren’t the same person some of their duties can be shared.

While a corresponding author can help the first author, or main author, with data analysis, for example, the first author can help the corresponding author prepare the documents for submission.

The same applies to other authors. Deciding who does what role should be clearly discussed and defined beforehand. Ideally, researchers involved in the study should have regular meetings to clarify responsibilities and update the status of the work. New co-authors may be included and other members may end their involvement along the way. Doing this planning may help prevent conflicts regarding academic authorship and help manage any disputes (Albert & Wager, 2009).

There are many possible reasons for conflict (you can find many examples of real cases on COPE’s website ). Disputes around first authorship are more common because this is the most prestigious position and an important measure of productivity. This happens, for example, when two authors both claim they contributed the most. This issue can be solved by proposing co-first authorship, or by using a system to quantify their contributions and then decide who should go first.

There can also be disagreements when the senior author wants to be the first author, or main author. For example, they may need more or higher-impact publications as the first author. Or they wrote the manuscript and believe this entitles them to be the first author.

Disputes on who will be the corresponding author are less likely. That’s because the role, as mentioned, doesn’t have any special distinction other than a visible name and contact. However, some senior authors may still want this role and occasionally there’s some conflict.

Ideally, the corresponding author should be decided among the others. It’s also possible to share the position, have shared corresponding authors; e.g. both the first and senior authors are co-corresponding authors. This may actually work out well if one is available and the other isn’t.

Every participant should feel free to seek clarity throughout the collaboration. Consider having a written document ( see this example PDF file on APA) in place as guidance ( COPE Discussion Document , 2014; Guidelines on Authorship and Acknowledgement , n.d.).

Before publication, authors should reunite to check the previous responsibilities list and create a final version of the documents. This includes detailed information on the type and extent of the contribution of each person involved. For categories of contributions, see the Contributor Roles Taxonomy [CRediT] website (McNutt et al., 2018). To quantify contributions, different proposed systems can be found in the literature (APA, for example, proposed a scorecard – see their Helpful Tools files).

As several journals now request and publish information about each author’s contributions, such documents can be essential. This can help in creating standards that will improve transparency in the system of scientific publishing. That, in turn, greatly reduces ethical concerns and authorship disputes.

Our Publication Support team is ready to hear from you if you want to accelerate your path to publication. And explore valuable research services that can help increase your impact and avoid ethical mishaps.

This is a guest post from Adam Goulston, PsyD, MBA, MS, MISD, ELS. Adam runs the Asia-based science marketing and PR company Scize . He has worked as an in-house Senior Language Editor, as well as a manuscript editor, with Edanz.

Albert, T., & Wager, E. (2009). How to handle authorship disputes: A guide for new researchers. Committee on Publication Ethics. https://doi.org/10.24318/cope.2018.1.1

COPE Discussion Document: Authorship. (2014). Committee on Publication Ethics. https://doi.org/10.24318/cope.2019.3.3

Guidelines on Authorship and Acknowledgement. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://research.fas.harvard.edu/links/guidelines-authorship-and-acknowledgement

McNutt, M. K., Bradford, M., Drazen, J. M., Hanson, B., Howard, B., Jamieson, K. H., Kiermer, V., Marcus, E., Pope, B. K., Schekman, R., Swaminathan, S., Stang, P. J., & Verma, I. M. (2018). Transparency in authors’ contributions and responsibilities to promote integrity in scientific publication. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(11), 2557-2560. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1715374115

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The evolving meaning of ‘corresponding authorship’ in research

How the role of the corresponding author is changing in terms of research team dynamics and the perception of its meaning, and the implications for assuming the role

Rachel Herbert

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In decades gone by, the duties of a corresponding author (CA) were clear. They communicated with the journal editor, declared any conflict of interest and were the point of contact for readers after publication. The position carried no additional sense of seniority or accountability for the paper than any other author listed in the byline. Crucially, there was usually one CA per paper. However, requests for multiple CAs per paper are rising. Could this indicate that corresponding authorship is no longer seen as simply a communications role, and how are publishers responding?

The rise of multiple corresponding authors

Traditionally, the role of CA was assumed by a senior researcher who had contributed significantly to a paper and had experience in submitting and publishing research. But the global count of first-time CAs more than tripled between 2000 and 2021, according to analysis of articles indexed in Scopus® by the International Center for the Study of Research at Elsevier. Notably, first-time CAs in 2020-21 already had more published journal articles to their name than those taking on the role for the first time 20 years before, see figure 1.

“For many, it was becoming an indication of seniority and leadership on the team, rather than a particular set of responsibilities, and that was leading to requests for multiple corresponding authors per paper,” recalls Emilie Marcus, executive strategy officer at the University of California, Los Angeles’ School of Medicine, and CEO of Cell Press from 2012 to 2018.

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Funding shortages and the growing complexity of global challenges have prompted a rise in interdisciplinary, large-scale consortia projects. In 2000-01, less than 1 per cent of articles had multiple CAs, but by 2020-21, this had risen to 10 per cent, with multiple CAs being more common when international collaboration was involved, according to Scopus® data.

Journals’ response to the evolution of corresponding authorship

Scott Edmunds, editor of GigaScience , found that, in the eight years following the launch of the journal in 2012, they “saw joint corresponding authorship increasing – in some cases, up to six were being nominated per paper”. In part, this was driven by financial incentives for researchers in China, but in early 2020, the Chinese government took steps to change this policy. GigaScience responded to the changing dynamics and introduced icons to recognise senior researchers in the author list and accept up to two CAs per paper.

But journal and publisher interpretations of the CA’s role vary. Only some require the CA to be the same person who submits the paper. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers requires both a contact author, who is the liaison during the peer review and production processes, and a CA, who is the contact featured in the printed publication. Nature indicates that CA duties end upon publication. Other journals communicate with all authors through the publication process, not just the CA.

Conflating corresponding authorship with research ‘leadership’

The lack of clarity around the CA role may lead to assumptions that impact research findings and policymaking. CA is used in some cases to imply, without clear justification, that author’s “leadership” of the research in analyses of multi-authored papers. In studies aggregated at the level of individual authors, universities and countries, this presents a danger that decision-making processes may be based on misleading findings.

Although the meaning of author name order differs by field, the last author is often a group leader or principal investigator. Since the CA was the last author in only a third of articles indexed in Scopus® in 2020-21, the CA cannot be considered a reliable signal of seniority. To more accurately and fairly recognise individual contributions, which is particularly vital for early career researchers, the CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) was introduced. Including a CRediT contribution statement in a manuscript is a way to share a detailed description of the diverse contributions to a published work.

When to assume the role of corresponding author

For researchers with the opportunity to assume the role of corresponding author, there are several considerations:

• Any author might assume the role of CA – it need not default to the most senior. Investigate the options available when submitting a manuscript: some journals offer multiple CAs.
• Is the role right for you? You may have more responsibilities throughout the peer review and publication process, with many researchers directing their questions or comments to the CA in the first instance.
• To avoid authorship disputes, authorship order and author roles should be agreed before submitting a manuscript.
• Specific roles associated with a publication can be captured in a contribution statement in a manuscript using CRediT.

Alison McIntosh is research evaluation assistant at Elsevier, working within the International Center for the Study of Research and a student at the University of St Andrews; Rachel Herbert is senior research evaluation manager at Elsevier, working within the International Center for the Study of Research .

If you found this interesting and want advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the THE Campus newsletter .

To read more and discover ways in which a research institution could boost serendipitous discovery, read the following reports from the International Center for the Study of Research at Elsevier:

Corresponding Authors: Past and Present How Has the Role of Corresponding Author Changed Since the Early 2000s?

Great Power or Great Responsibility: What Is the Meaning of ‘Corresponding Authorship’ in Modern Research?

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• Indian J Plast Surg
• v.43(2); Jul-Dec 2010

Authorship issue explained

Surajit bhattacharya.

Editor, IJPS E-mail: ni.oc.oohay@hbtijarus

When it comes to the fact that who should be an author and who should not be offered ghost authorship, it seem we are all in agreement.[ 1 ] Each author should have participated sufficiently in the work to take responsibility for the content. Authorship credit should be based only on substantial contributions to (a) conception and design, or analysis and interpretation of data; and to (b) drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; and on (c) final revision of the version to be published. Conditions (a), (b), and (c) must all are met.

However, when it comes to the sequence of authorship there seems to be a grey zone and exploitation at both ends of the spectrum. We have come across aggrieved Unit Chiefs and displeased residents in almost equal numbers. It is important for young authors to understand that there are two positions that count, the first author and the last author. Attached to either position is the status associated with being the author for correspondence. The best combination when one is young is to be first author and the author for correspondence. As one’s career progresses, being last author and author for correspondence signals that this is a paper from one’s Unit, he/she is the main person responsible for its contents, and a younger colleague has made major contributions to the paper, hence he/she is designated as the first author. The guidelines here are not as well defined as for authorship in general, Riesenberg and Lundberg[ 2 ] have made certain very important and simple suggestions to decide the sequence of authorship:

• The first author should be that person who contributed most to the work, including writing of the manuscript
• The sequence of authors should be determined by the relative overall contributions to the manuscript.
• It is common practice to have the senior author appear last, sometimes regardless of his or her contribution. The senior author, like all other authors, should meet all criteria for authorship.
• The senior author sometimes takes responsibility for writing the paper, especially when the research student has not yet learned the skills of scientific writing. The senior author then becomes the corresponding author, but should the student be the first author? Some supervisors put their students first, others put their own names first. Perhaps it should be decided on the absolute amount of time spent on the project by the student (in getting the data) and the supervisor (in providing help and in writing the paper). Or perhaps the supervisor should be satisfied with being corresponding author, regardless of time committed to the project.
• A sensible policy adopted by many supervisors is to give the student a fixed period of time (say 12 months) to write the first draft of the paper. If the student does not deliver, the supervisor may then write the paper and put her or his own name first.

The second issue raised in this letter is about the use of plurals. Our insistence of avoiding pronouns I, me and mine in all publications is very sound and logical. Even if it is a single author paper, surgery is a team game and we are virtually powerless without our unsung colleagues - residents, nurses, technicians etc. By using plurals we recognize their vital role in our success story. Where as in a multiple author paper, the author has no option but to call it ‘our work’ instead on ‘my paper’, even when he is writing the paper all by himself / herself, there were many hands helping him / her and it is our Journal policy to acknowledge the same.

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Thank you. payment completed., you will receive an email from us to confirm your registration, please click the link in the email to activate your account., there was error during payment, orcid profile found in public registry, download history, authorship, and the role of the ‘corresponding author’.

• Charlesworth Author Services
• 17 October, 2019
• Publication Ethics

Authorship, and the role of the ‘corresponding author’

It is important to acknowledge the people involved in compiling and writing your research. Indeed, many journals now require authors to acknowledge not only the authors who were involved in writing up the research, but also any individuals who contributed to the research in some way. These are referred to as authorship and contributorship .

How is authorship defined?

The ICMJE recommends that authorship be based on the following 4 criteria:

• ‘Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; AND
• Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; AND
• Final approval of the version to be published; AND
• Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.’

Many of the leading journals adhere to these standards maintained by ICMJE (www.icmje.org)

(Taken from http://icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html, accessed 2 May 2016)

Individuals who do not meet all four of these criteria above should not be listed as authors but should be acknowledged as contributors. The authors should include details of the kind of contribution that was made, e.g. to securing funding; help overseeing the research; or commenting on or advising on drafts of the research write-up.

What order should I list contributing authors? 

A commonly asked question is in what order should I list the authors? There are some standard conventions about this:

• The person who does the most work goes first
• After that, names are in order of greatest contribution

What is a Corresponding Author?

A corresponding author is the individual who, when working on a paper with multiple authors, takes primary responsibility for communicating with the journal you intend to publish in. They communicate with the journal during the manuscript submission, peer review and eventual publication process while ensuring all the journal's administrative requirements are adhered to. The corresponding author usually makes themselves available throughout the process to respond to editorial queries. They should also be available after publication to respond to critiques of the work, any questions that arise and to co-operate with requests for additional data or information.

What does a ‘corresponding author’ do?

This corresponding author is:

• Responsible for the manuscript as it moves through the entire publication process
• The "time keeper" during each phase of the publication process
• The primary contact between the journal and all the other authors of the paper
• Responsible for ensuring that all authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript prior to submission
• The person who uploads the manuscript to the online submission site, or sends it to the journal for peer review
• Responsible for distributing communications from the journal (e.g., decision letters, reviewers’ reports).

Where should I list the ‘contributors’?

These should be named in the "Acknowledgments" section of the paper. These would include:

• People who provided technical assistance
• People who discussed your ideas with you and gave advice
• Anyone who read early drafts of the paper and gave advice
• People who were the subject of the study
• Funding sources (this is increasingly important, esp. for ’open access‘).

Note, too, that many journals will require you to obtain written permission of the co-authors and contributors to have their names included in the article.

It is also important to read the Notes for Contributors for your target journal to ensure that any specific requirements are met.

Any questions? We can advise you regarding authorship and whether your paper meets the requirements of your target journal or standard international conventions.

Please contact us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

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Office of the Provost

Guidance on authorship in scholarly or scientific publications, general principles.

The public’s trust in and benefit from academic research and scholarship relies upon all those involved in the scholarly endeavor adhering to the highest ethical standards, including standards related to publication and dissemination of findings and conclusions.

Accordingly, all scholarly or scientific publications involving faculty, staff, students and/or trainees arising from academic activities performed under the auspices of Yale University must include appropriate attribution of authorship and disclosure of relevant affiliations of those involved in the work, as described below.

These publications, which, for the purposes of this guidance, include articles, abstracts, manuscripts submitted for publication, presentations at professional meetings, and applications for funding, must appropriately acknowledge contributions of colleagues involved in the design, conduct or dissemination of the work by neither overly attributing contribution nor ignoring meaningful contributions.

Financial and other supporting relationships of those involved in the scholarly work must be transparent and disclosed in publications arising from the work.

Authorship Standards

Authorship of a scientific or scholarly paper should be limited to those individuals who have contributed in a meaningful and substantive way to its intellectual content. All authors are responsible for fairly evaluating their roles in the project as well as the roles of their co-authors to ensure that authorship is attributed according to these standards in all publications for which they will be listed as an author.

Requirement for Attribution of Authorship

Each author should have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for its content. All co-authors should have been directly involved in all three of the following:

• planning and contribution to some component (conception, design, conduct, analysis, or interpretation) of the work which led to the paper or interpreting at least a portion of the results;
• writing a draft of the article or revising it for intellectual content; and
• final approval of the version to be published.  All authors should review and approve the manuscript before it is submitted for publication, at least as it pertains to their roles in the project.

Some diversity exists across academic disciplines regarding acceptable standards for substantive contributions that would lead to attribution of authorship. This guidance is intended to allow for such variation to disciplinary best practices while ensuring authorship is not inappropriately assigned.

Lead Author

The first author is usually the person who has performed the central experiments of the project. Often, this individual is also the person who has prepared the first draft of the manuscript. The lead author is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all other authors meet the requirements for authorship as well as ensuring the integrity of the work itself. The lead author will usually serve as the corresponding author.

Co-Author(s)

Each co-author is responsible for considering his or her role in the project and whether that role merits attribution of authorship. Co-authors should review and approve the manuscript, at least as it pertains to their roles in the project.

External Collaborators, Including Sponsor or Industry Representatives

Individuals who meet the criteria for authorship should be included as authors irrespective of their institutional affiliations. In general, the use of “ghostwriters” is prohibited, i.e., individuals who have contributed significant portions of the text should be named as authors or acknowledged in the final publication. Industry representatives or others retained by industry who contribute to an article and meet the requirements for authorship or acknowledgement must be appropriately listed as contributors or authors on the article and their industry affiliation must be disclosed in the published article.

Acknowledgements

Individuals who do not meet the requirements for authorship but who have provided a valuable contribution to the work should be acknowledged for their contributing role as appropriate to the publication.

Courtesy or Gift Authorship

Individuals do not satisfy the criteria for authorship merely because they have made possible the conduct of the research and/or the preparation of the manuscript. Under no circumstance should individuals be added as co-authors based on the individual’s stature as an attempt to increase the likelihood of publication or credibility of the work. For example, heading a laboratory, research program, section, or department where the research takes place does not, by itself, warrant co-authorship of a scholarly paper. Nor should “gift” co-authorship be conferred on those whose only contributions have been to provide, for example, routine technical services, to refer patients or participants for a study, to provide a valuable reagent, to assist with data collection and assembly, or to review a completed manuscript for suggestions. Although not qualifying as co-authors, individuals who assist the research effort may warrant appropriate acknowledgement in the completed paper.

Senior faculty members should be named as co-authors on work independently generated by their junior colleagues only if they have made substantial intellectual contributions to the experimental design, interpretation of findings and manuscript preparation.

Authorship Disputes

Determinations of authorship roles are often complex, delicate and potentially controversial. To avoid confusion and conflict, discussion of attribution should be initiated early in the development of any collaborative publication. For disputes that cannot be resolved amicably, individuals may seek the guidance of the dean of their school or the cognizant deputy provost in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences.

Disclosure of Research Funding and Other Support

In all scientific and scholarly publications and all manuscripts submitted for publication, authors should acknowledge the sources of support for all activities leading to and facilitating preparation of the publication or manuscript, including, but not limited to:

• grant, contract, and gift support;
• salary support if other than institutional funds. Note that salary support that is provided to the University by an external entity does not constitute institutional funds by virtue of being distributed by the University; and
• technical or other support if substantive and meaningful to the completion of the project.

Disclosure of Financial Interests and External Activities

Authors should fully disclose related financial interests and outside activities in publications (including articles, abstracts, manuscripts submitted for publication), presentations at professional meetings, and applications for funding.

In addition, authors should comply with the disclosure requirements of the University’s Committee on Conflict of Interest.

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Nowadays, research is becoming increasingly collaborative due to factors, such as the spread of globalization and the growing expectations toward scientists to publish. As a result, more and more academic papers are being written by multiple authors, which triggers the need for a corresponding author , namely, a person selected from the group of authors to be in charge of duties pertaining to the pre-publication and post-publication phases of a paper. His/her identity is typically revealed on the first page of the article (Carmichael, 2020). Given the importance of this topic in scholarly publishing, in this blog article, we discuss the duties and responsibilities of a corresponding author during the pre-publication and post-publication phases.

The roles of a corresponding author

As the name suggests, a corresponding author is the primary contact for the publisher and readers alike (Carmichael, 2020). Based on this definition, a corresponding author’s duties can be broken down into two distinct phases : the pre-publication phase, in which one is in contact with the publisher, and the post-publication phase, in which one is expected to respond to readers’ questions and requests. The two phases come with quite varied responsibilities to the extent that they are not always managed by the same person (Helgesson, 2021). As such, it has been suggested by some stakeholders that the roles for the two phases be separated for the sake of transparency, a practice that, in fact, has already been adopted by some journals (Helgesson, 2021).  

More specifically, during the pre-publication phase , a corresponding author’s duties constitute five key areas.

• Submission and handling of the manuscript: One submits the manuscript together with all the necessary auxiliary files (e.g., cover letter , figures, tables, anonymized title page , statements, permissions, certificates, etc.) as well as all potentially necessary revisions, and shares the referee report , the journal editors’ decisions, and galley proofs with all the co-authors (Weiss, 2012).
• Maintaining a close relationship with the publisher: One manages the article processing charge (APC) payment if it applies as well as all the communication with the journal editorial team, for example, orders extra services (e.g., color figures in print, offprints, posters), adds potentially missing files, clarifies any ambiguities (e.g., non-consistent numbering of figures or tables), and provides better quality figures.
• Obtaining permissions for the use of copyrighted material.
• Obtaining disclosures and statements from co-authors.
• Signing the license agreement on behalf of all the co-authors.

Regarding the post-publication phase , the communication between corresponding authors and readers involves three main activities.

• They forward readers’ scientific questions to the co-authors and send out the latter’s joint response.
• They receive and manage requests of data sharing.
• They represent all co-authors in copyright-related questions (e.g., concerning the re-use of some part from the given paper).

So, what is a corresponding author responsible for ? It is important to emphasize that, while all authors share equal responsibility about the following points, the corresponding author will be addressed in case of any questions.

• Getting permissions, affirmations, certificates, etc.
• Dealing with the names of the authors (i.e., identifying first and last names), precise presentation of affiliations, acknowledgment of all support.
• Responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the work.
• Responsibility to live up to the journal’s policies and ethical standards.

Why does your choice of the corresponding author matter?

The selection of a corresponding author matters for several reasons. As Hu (2009) points out, being the corresponding author of a paper entails considerable prestige . This is because many committees only consider first and/or corresponding authorship when evaluating grant and promotion applications, which, in fact, has led to an increase in the number of corresponding authors associated with an article (Ding & Herbert, 2022; Hu, 2009). Choosing the corresponding author wisely is also important because it is a long-term obligation . Although, in principle, it is possible to change the corresponding author after publication – it is up to the given journal’s discretion –, the change must be stated in a so-called corrigendum, which is quite unfortunate as this type of article is indicative of an error made on the part of an author/s.

Last, but not least, the identity of the corresponding author also matters from a practical point of view. This is because a corresponding author can be exempted from the payment of the expenses of Open Access publication , namely, the APC , depending on whether one’s institution is a member of the consortium with which the publisher has a Read and Publish agreement.

What makes a suitable corresponding author?

In light of the importance and prestige ascribed to the role of a corresponding author, the question inevitably arises, what attributes should one possess? As a corresponding author assumes primary responsibility for communication with a journal during the manuscript submission, peer-review, and publication process, one is expected to have great communication and organizational skills and accuracy . In addition, loadability can be regarded as another essential skill given the amount of tasks that can come with the role. Finally, a broad understanding of the research topic is expected as well, these days even more than before: Ding and Herbert (2022) found that, while between 2000–2001, a first-time corresponding author only had 4 publications on average, by 2020–2021, this number grew to 7.

Dilemmas about the authorship

The choice of the corresponding author is not the only dilemma when composing the authors’ list in an academic paper. As research has become an increasingly collaborative enterprise, occurrences of authorship-related controversies and misconduct have escalated as well. This is evidenced by the emergence of the following author types , each of which reflects some unethical practice:

• Ghost authors : those whose contribution to a work is not stated, typically, to conceal a conflict of interest.
• Guest authors : those who are listed as authors, but have made no real contribution to the paper.
• Orphan authors : those who have made material contribution to a work, but, deliberately, have not been given authorship credit by the drafting team.
• Forged authors : those who are listed as authors without their consent and despite a lack of contribution, to maximize the chances of the paper being published.

Some authorship-related disputes concern the distinction between an author and a contributor, so it is important to clarify what the criteria for authorship are. Essentially, being an author of a scientific paper presupposes that a person has made intellectual contribution to the work and agreed to take responsibility and accountability for any part of the work. Authors can have various possible roles , such as conceptualization, data curation, validation, project administration, and so on. In contrast, non-author contributors are those who provide assistance to authors on financial, editorial, conceptual, technical and even moral matters. Their identities should be acknowledged in the relevant section of the paper and the exact nature of their contribution be specified.

Authorship order has been another controversial issue. While, ideally, the order should reflect the extent to which the authors have contributed to the work , with the greatest intellectual contribution being made by the first author, alphabetical order is also common. Since the first position is the most prestigious one, it is the most likely to generate conflict; nevertheless, this may be solved by having multiple co-first authors . While corresponding authors are often first authors, this should not be taken as a general rule either (Mattsson et al., 2011). Although there are no standard policies across the scientific disciplines as to authorship order, there are various ways to avoid disputes over it. These include explicit and continuous discussions about it during the research project , consulting the given journal’s guidelines , and making quantitative or qualitative statements of each author’s contribution.

AKJournals to help authors worldwide

AKJournals is committed to helping its corresponding authors. Our relevant services include informative web pages online submission and peer-review platforms, and a team of professional and dedicated publishing editors . If you would like to read more about the topic of this blog article, we also recommend checking our journal, Scientometrics , co-published with Springer Nature, as it has several papers with “corresponding authors” as a keyword (e.g., Bigdeli & Gazni, 2012; Mattsson et al., 2011; Mendlowicz et al., 2011).

Bigdeli, Z., & Gazni, A. (2012). Authors’ sources of information: A new dimension in information scattering. Scientometrics, 92 (3), 505–521. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-011-0609-1

Carmichael, S. W. (2020). Authorship. In M. M. Shoja, A. Arynchyna, M. Loukas, A. V. D’Antoni, S. M. Buerger, M. Karl, & R. S. Tubbs (Eds.), A guide to the scientific career: Virtues, communication, research, and academic writing (pp. 357–360). Wiley Blackwell.

Ding, A., & Herbert, R. (2022). Corresponding authors: Past and present. How has the role of corresponding author changed since the early 2000s? ICSR Perspectives . http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4049439

Helgesson, G. (2021). The two faces of the corresponding author and the need to separate them. Learned Publishing, 34 (4), 679–681. https://doi.org/10.1002/leap.1385

Hu, X. (2009). Loads of special authorship functions: Linear growth in the percentage of “equal first authors” and corresponding authors. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 60 (11), 2378–2381. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.21164

Mattsson, P., Sundberg, C. J., & Laget, P. (2011). Is correspondence reflected in the author position? A bibliometric study of the relation between corresponding author and byline position. Scientometrics, 87 (1), 99–105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-010-0310-9

Mendlowicz, M. V., Coutinho, E. S. F., Laks, J., Fontenelle, L. F., Valença, A. M., Berger, W., Figueira, I., & Azambuja de Aguiar, G. (2011). Is there a gender gap in authorship of the main Brazilian psychiatric journals at the beginning of the 21 st century? Scientometrics, 86 (1), 27–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-010-0296-3

Weiss, P. S. (2012). Who are corresponding authors? ACS Nano, 6 (4), 2861. https://doi.org/10.1021/nn301566x

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How To Write References for Academic & Scientific Research Papers

Posted by rene | Jun 26, 2021 | Advice on Constructing Academic References & Bibliographies | 0 |

How To Write References for Academic and Scientific Research Papers Writing accurate & appropriate references is an essential aspect of preparing a research paper for successful publication, examination or any other kind of serious dissemination or evaluation. This article explains exactly how to write perfect references in two widely used scholarly styles: the parenthetical author–date system recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA) & the sequential numerical or Vancouver system frequently used in the sciences. The post also includes several clear examples of in-text citations & complete bibliographical references formatted in both styles.

Neither of these documentation styles is inherently complex, though each does have its characteristic pitfalls, and the utmost accuracy is essential when using either. Accusations of plagiarism or misrepresentation of the work of other scholars can be the unpleasant result if authors are not absolutely correct and scrupulously thorough in providing citations and references when they should to acknowledge the research of others. In addition, publication attempts can prove unsuccessful and grades lower than expected if instructions and guidelines for references are not observed with precision and consistency. The discussion and examples offered below outline exactly how to provide scholarly references for articles and books in one version of an author–date documentation style – APA – and one of a numerical style – Vancouver – but do be aware that various versions of these two basic styles exist, so consulting the guidelines, instructions or manual specific to the research paper you are writing is always imperative before finalising formats for in-text citations and complete references.

Writing APA Author–Date References for a Research Paper Writing an accurate and appropriate APA author–date reference is a two-stage process involving 1) the creation of an in-text citation in the main body of the paper and 2) the addition of a complete bibliographical entry about the source in a list of references at the end of the paper.

1. The in-text citation should contain the last name of the author (or last names of the authors if there is more than one) who wrote the article, book or other document followed by the document’s date of publication. This information most frequently appears in parentheses immediately after the statement related to the paper, as in this example: •   A recent study of the text presents a similar argument (Wilson & Bond, 2016).

Alternatively, the names of the authors or the date of publication can be integrated into the main text, with the remaining information presented in parentheses: •   Wilson and Bond present a similar argument in their recent study of the text (2016). •   A 2016 examination of the text presents a similar argument (Wilson & Bond). Rewording of the main text is obviously necessary, but the only difference (beyond arrangement) in the citation information itself is that the word ‘and’ is used between the author names in the main text, whereas an ampersand (&) is used between those names when they appear in parentheses. The parentheses can sometimes be eliminated altogether by writing both author names and publication date in the main text: •   Wilson and Bond’s 2016 study of the text presents a similar argument.

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Page numbers can be used for referring to specific information in particular parts of a publication, but they are usually only required in APA style for direct quotations when a passage or other part of a published document is reproduced word for word in a new research paper. In such cases, the page number is separated from the publication date by a comma and preceded by the abbreviation ‘p.’ for ‘page’: •   As Wilson and Bond explain, ‘the political reading of the text, even the most personal of its episodes, seems universal until the book falls into a woman’s hands’ (2016, p.88).

When two or more sources are cited in the same set of parentheses, semicolons are used to separate the sources: •   Both studies consider the poem in relation to urban culture (Samuel & Watson, 2013; Wilson & Bond, 2016). The normal arrangement when multiple sources are cited in a single set of parentheses is to observe alphabetical order according to the author names, as I have done above (with ‘Samuel’ preceding ‘Wilson’). Notice that the in-text citation takes the same form whether the source cited is a book or an article, with ‘Samuel & Watson’ referring here to a monograph and ‘Wilson & Bond’ to a journal article.

2. Every source cited in the text of an academic or scientific research paper using APA style should also be included in a list that is entitled ‘References’ and presented at the end of the paper. An APA list of references should be arranged alphabetically based on author names, and all the bibliographical information required for readers to find each source must be provided in a specific format. The author names for a publication come first and are inverted, with the last name of the first author of each document opening the bibliographical entry. Author names are followed by the date of publication (in parentheses), with these two pieces of information serving readers by connecting the complete reference to the in-text citation. It is therefore vital that the last names of authors and the publication dates provided in both places are checked against each other for errors and inconsistencies and then carefully corrected to agree with precision.

For the complete reference to a journal article, the title of the article follows the date of publication. The name and volume number of the journal come next, both of them in italic font, though do be aware that special fonts may not be displayed in this post. The pages on which the article can be found come next, and if there is a doi or url for an online version of the paper, that should be the last item in the entry, which would take this form: •   Wilson, S., & Bond, F. (2016). Political and personal readings of the earliest zone poem. Urban Poetry, 12, 72–94. doi:00.0000/00000000000000

For the complete reference to a book, the information, and thus the format, is a little different. The title of the book follows the publication date and appears in italic font, with the place of publication and publisher’s name completing the reference: •   Samuel, H., & Watson, M. (2013). Political poetry and modern urbanity. London: Big City Press.

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Writing Sequential Numerical References for a Research Paper The same two-step process is necessary when writing the sequential numerical references used for Vancouver style documentation, but in-text citations are notably simpler, a different arrangement is used for the list of references and a somewhat different format is required for the complete bibliographical entries included in the list.

1. For a numerical in-text citation, a single Arabic numeral is all that is required. Each source is assigned a number when it is first cited, so the sources used in a research paper are numbered sequentially according to the order of first citation, with each source retaining throughout the paper the number it was originally assigned. The first source cited would therefore be reference 1, the second reference 2 and so on. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommends placing these reference numbers in parentheses, with a citation taking this form: •   A recent study of the text presents a similar argument (1).

As is the case with author–date citations, information about sources can also be added in the main text: •   Wilson and Bond present a similar argument in their recent study of the text (1). •   A 2016 examination of the text presents a similar argument (1). •   Wilson and Bond’s 2016 study of the text presents a similar argument (1). Unlike author–date citations, however, this additional information in the text does not negate the need for the reference number, which is always required.

If you need to cite a specific page of a document to point readers to a particular piece of information or indicate the location of a quoted passage, the page number should be added after the reference number, usually with a comma to separate it from the reference number and a preceding ‘p.’ to avoid confusion: •  As Wilson and Bond explain, ‘the political reading of the text, even the most personal of its episodes, seems universal until the book falls into a woman’s hands’ (1, p.88). When two or more sources are cited at the same time, commas are generally used to separate the reference numbers, usually without intervening spaces: •  Several studies have taken this approach to the text (1,2,5–8).

2. The reference list for sequential numerical citations is arranged, not surprisingly, by the numerical sequence of the citations. This means that the first source cited in a research paper (reference 1) is also the first source listed in the References section of the paper, the second is the second source in the list and so on. The following two sample references follow ICMJE guidelines and would serve as the opening entries in a numerical list of references: •  1. Wilson S, Bond F. Political and personal readings of the earliest zone poem. Urban Poetry. 2016;12:72–94. doi:00.0000/00000000000000. •  2. Samuel H, Watson M. Political Poetry and Modern Urbanity. London: Big City Press; 2013.

As these examples show, the information required for a complete reference varies according to the nature of the source cited, just as it does with author–date references. In addition, the names of journals (but not books) are often abbreviated when preparing numerical references. It is essential, however, that the correct or standard abbreviation for each journal be used when shortening journal titles, which can easily be confused in their abbreviated forms, so a little research may be necessary to determine the right abbreviation. Use of the complete journal title is recommended when there is any doubt or there is no standard abbreviation.

A cautionary note is in order when writing sequential numerical references. Adding or deleting sources from a numerical list of references that has been arranged according to the order in which sources are first cited can necessitate changes in subsequent list entries as well as in the in-text citations, and the same is the case with any changes to those in-text citations. The reason is simple: if, for example, you remove reference 3 from the text or list, what was reference 4 becomes reference 3, what was reference 5 becomes reference 4 and so on. If you add that removed reference back in elsewhere more alterations will ensue. It is therefore wise to check and finalise the order of the reference list very carefully indeed after all the in-text citations are in their final places, and to ensure that the assigned reference numbers agree with the utmost accuracy between in-text citations and the list of references.

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Summary How To Write References for Academic & Scientific Research Papers

How To Write References for Academic & Scientific Research Papers

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The causal role of immune cells on lung cancer: a bi-directional mendelian randomization (mr) study, hongyu zhu 1 , * , , caihua chen 1 , * , , haixie guo 1 , , bo zhang 1 , , quanteng hu 1 , ,.

• 1 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, Zhejiang, China

Received: January 10, 2024       Accepted: April 10, 2024      

Cite this article, how to cite.

Zhu H , Chen C , Guo H , Zhang B , Hu Q , . The causal role of immune cells on Lung cancer: A bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Aging (Albany NY). 16: . https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.205917

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Copyright: © 2024 Zhu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Immune cells play a vital role in the development and progression of Lung cancer (LC). We aimed to explore the causal role of immune cells in LC with Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Summary statistic data used in the study were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A comprehensive two-sample MR was carried out to explore the causal role of 731 immune cell traits (ICTs) in LC, Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). An inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was applied to present the MR estimates. The heterogeneity test was performed using Cochran’s Q statistic. MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO were utilized for the pleiotropy test. MR showed that 15, 31, and 11 ICTs had protective effects on LC, NSCLC, and SCLC, respectively, and 12, 31, and 11 ICTs had adverse effects on LC, NSCLC, and SCLC, respectively. Of note, CD3 on CD28 + CD4 + in the Treg panel could significantly increase the risk of LC, as well as NSCLC and SCLC. Moreover, the MR results revealed that LC was vital in IgD on IgD + in the B cell panel and NSCLC on CCR2 on CD14- CD16- in the Monocyte panel. Our study revealed multiple close connections between immune cells and LC.

Abbreviations

AC: absolute counts; CI: confidence interval; GWAS: genome-wide association studies; ICI: immune checkpoint inhibitor; IVs: instrumental variables; IVW: Inverse variance weighted; LC: Lung cancer; MFI: median fluorescence intensities; MR: Mendelian randomization; MR-PRESSO: MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier; MP: morphological parameters; NSCLC: Non-small cell lung cancer; OR: odds ratio; RC: relative counts; SCLC: Small cell lung cancer; SNP: single nucleotide polymorphism; TBNK: B cells, natural killer cells, T cells.

Corresponding Authors

Bo Zhang [email protected]

Quanteng Hu [email protected]

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