Authorship Resources

Below are several resources available to NIH staff to promote research integrity of authorship and publications, some of which are internal IRP resources and some of which are external resources.

NIH IRP Resources

• The Guidelines and Policies for the Conduct of Research (PDF file) is the single most relevant resources for NIH researchers on authorship and publication ethics, and is updated regularly to include emerging topics.
• NIH Manuscript Clearance – Manuscripts with authors affiliated at NIH must get approval prior to submission of their work. ICs may have their own internal process in handling the clearance process.
• The NIH IRP uses the Authorship Conflict Resolution Process in resolving authorship disputes.
• General Guidelines for Authorship Contributions (PDF file) is a graphic chart that displays typical roles and contributions, and circumstances under which authorship may be earned. (This chart was developed by the NIH IRP Committee on Scientific Conduct & Ethics.)
• Sample Lab Compacts (PDF file) with Authorship Language – Some PIs may want to provide a “compact” as part of an Introduction to a “My Laboratory” welcoming session, where the PI orients the new trainee or staff member to research group practices specific to that group.
• Sample NIH Lab Welcome Letters (PDF file) with Authorship Language – Some PIs may want to provide a welcome letter (PDF file) that delineates expectations and responsibilities for trainees and research staff.

External Resources

• CRediT Authorship “Contributor Roles Taxonomy” (external link) – this matrix may be used to assist with Authorship Conflict Resolutions, and describes many potential types of contributions to a paper that may merit authorship.
• ICMJE Recommendations (PDF file) for the conduct, reporting, editing, and publication of scholarly work in medical journals (2022). NIH generally follows the ICMJE recommendations.
• COPE Authorship & Contributorship Guidelines (external link), including How to handle authorship disputes: A guide for new researchers (PDF file)
• Sample Informal Authorship “Contracts” – a few examples of authorship agreements that can be made early on in a collaboration. Note that an authorship agreement is not a binding document, as it can and should evolve with the project, resulting in the changing of authorship order from the original agreement.
  • APA publication agreement (PDF file)
  • University of Pittsburgh authorship agreement (Word document)
  • Michigan State University authorship agreement (external link)
  • University of Texas at El Paso authorship agreement (PDF file)
  • North Carolina A&T authorship agreement (PDF file)
  • HHS ORI “Preempting Discord: Prenuptial Agreements for Scientists” (external link)