Chinese Names in the Biomedical Literature: Suggested Bibliometric Standardization

Abstract

As the prominence of Chinese scholars increases in biomedical research, with an accompanying rise in volume of the published literature, there is a need to standardize the way in which the names of Chinese scholars are represented, not only for accuracy of reference lists and the published record, but as a sign of cultural understanding and sensitivity. An inaccurately portrayed name not only robs the author of valid and accurate citations to their work, but also renders the published literature as inaccurate. This short discussion offers a few perspectives and examples, and solutions as how to simply, but effectively, in a culturally sensitive manner, represent Chinese academics’ names. This will be useful for early career researchers, database managers and policy makers who might not have sufficient experience.