Should not all authors of a research publication be given equal credit? The hurdles and possible ways out

Abstract

Being an author of a scientific publication has academic, social, and financial implications. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICJME) guidelines that are followed by various biomedical journals clearly state the criteria for considering a researcher as an author for a scientific publication. As per this understanding, all authors of a research work have equal contribution towards the publication. The Medical Council of India, however, credits only the first three authors and the corresponding author for academic progression. The present view highlights this irony and suggests that all authors in a manuscript should be considered equal irrespective of their position in the authorship list.