Round Table China Academic credit where credit is due
May 13, 2025
A Chinese journal sparks debate by challenging the norm of granting supervisors first authorship in academic publishing. This bold proposal questions the ethics of authorship and highlights the need for recognition of junior researchers' contributions. The conversation shifts to the often-overlooked professional growth of students, advocating for a new respect for their work. Additionally, the hosts dissect the pitfalls of common email phrases like "just checking in," exploring how they can hinder effective communication.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Supervisor First-Authorship Tradition
- In China, listing supervisors as first author is a tradition serving as respect and career boost for students.
- This practice intertwines power dynamics and academic advancement in a transactional supervisor-student relationship.
Authorship Abuse Undermines Integrity
- Authorship abuse is a global issue where people get credit without meaningful contribution.
- This undermines scientific integrity by misallocating credit and responsibility for research findings.
New Rules Empower Young Scholars
- Challenging first author norms encourages young scholars to claim deserved credit.
- Recognizing contributions can rekindle passion and remove barriers for emerging academics.