The ICMJE’s definition of authorship is illogical and unethical

Shaw, D. (2011) The ICMJE’s definition of authorship is illogical and unethical. British Medical Journal, 343, d7192. (doi: 10.1136/bmj.d7192)

Abstract

In recent years there have been many revelations about ghost authors, who contribute to publications but are not credited, and guest authors, who do not contribute but are credited. Most medical and many other journals adhere to the authorship standards set by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), which were designed in part to combat the phenomena of ghost and guest authorship. However, the current criteria set for authorship by the ICMJE have their own problems. This brief paper illustrates these problems with an example, and concludes that the current ICMJE definition of authorship is both illogical and unethical.

• Item Type: Articles (Editorial)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shaw, Dr David
• Authors: Shaw, D.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: British Medical Journal
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• ISSN: 0959-535X
• ISSN (Online): 1468-5833
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2011 BMJ Publishing Group
• First Published: First published in British Medical Journal0343:d7192
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher