UKRIO launches new collaborative project to improve authorship practices in research settings

UKRIO is seeking participants for a new project it is leading to improve authorship practices in research settings: Supporting Collaborative Thinking and Progress on Discussing Authorship Disputes. 

This project, which is commissioned by UKRI, aims to create new tools to help research stakeholders improve authorship practices, including: 

  • guidance on authorship challenges
  • a model procedure for resolving disputes 
  • a template authorship agreement to enhance good authorship practices across the UK research community

These tools will be developed at two collaborative workshops: 

  • Wednesday, 5 March 2025, 2-5PM BST – held remotely via Zoom 
  • Wednesday, 12 March 2025, 2-5PM BST – held in person at Impact Hub London, 1 Triton Square, London NW1 3DX (funding for travel available) 

To participate in this project, submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 31 January 2025.

Submit an EOI

Who Can Participate? 

We are seeking diverse perspectives to ensure the project’s outputs benefit the research community. Please share this opportunity widely through your networks. 

We would like to hear from the following stakeholders: 

  • Researchers from diverse fields – especially individuals whose voices have been marginalised in authorship discussions, including those directly affected by poor authorship practices
  • Representatives from research publishers – including those responsible for research integrity in publishing and those that observe disputes and advise on resolution, retractions and amendments
  • Representatives from research funders – including those responsible for setting funding criteria and policy influencing authorship
  • Research integrity and governance professionals – including those responsible for facilitating and mediating authorship disputes, investigating misconduct, advising and training researchers

Why Authorship Practices Matter 

Authorship is critical to research, ensuring credit, accountability, and transparency. However, implementing good practices can be challenging, often leading to disputes over expectations, opinions, or misconduct. Poorly handled disputes harm researchers, hinder careers, and undermine research culture. 

In 2023, authorship disputes accounted for 23% of all enquiries to UKRIO’s advisory services, highlighting the urgent need for action. 

About the Project 

The project will bring together perspectives from across the UK research community to develop practical solutions for improving authorship practices.  

Project Structure: 

This initiative is organised by UKRIO and commissioned by UKRI, with guidance from an Authorship Advisory Group (AAG) comprising representatives from leading institutions impacting UK research, including: 

  • UK Committee on Research Integrity (UKCORI) 
  • Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 
  • The Royal Society 
  • The Alan Turing Institute 
  • UKRI 
  • The Publishers Association 
  • UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) 
  • The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) 
  • Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts (CHASE)
  • Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) 
  • University of Cambridge

The AAG members volunteer their expertise to ensure the project meets the needs of the research community. 

Project workshops: 

Participants will join collaborative workshops to identify key authorship issues and develop solutions. These discussions will shape the creation of practical tools and guidance on authorship practices that will be shared with the wider community. 

Participants must attend one of two workshops: 

  • Wednesday, 5 March 2025 – held remotely via Zoom 
  • Wednesday, 12 March 2025 – held in person at Impact Hub London, 1 Triton Square, London NW1 3DX (travel expenses can be funded) 

Outcome:

This project aims to develop tools that help research stakeholders address authorship challenges and promote a healthier research culture. These tools will enhance fairness, transparency, and collaboration in research authorship, while preventing and resolving disputes. Created through an open and collaborative process, they will be designed to address the diverse circumstances and needs of the research community.  

These tools will include: 

  • Guidance on addressing authorship challenges and implementing effective practices
  • A model procedure for mitigating and resolving authorship disputes within research organisations
  • A template authorship agreement to foster strong authorship practices in research projects

These resources will be freely available for open use and will be launched at an event anticipated in 2025. 

Scope:

This project will primarily focus on authorship disputes within the UK, with some consideration given to international collaborations. Its goal is to improve authorship practices by developing practical tools that research stakeholders can use to enhance their work. While acknowledging broader systemic issues that influence authorship practices, the project will concentrate on actionable, practical solutions. 

Questions and feedback

If you have any questions or feedback about this project or the process for participating, please contact UKRIO at info@ukrio.org