What does the concept of authorship imply in research?

The concept of authorship in research primarily signifies that an individual has made a significant intellectual contribution to the work being published. This means that the person has played a crucial role in the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. Authorship encompasses not just writing the paper but also engaging in the rigorous thought processes required to carry out quality research and contribute original ideas. Acknowledging authorship in this way ensures that individuals who have truly influenced the research outcomes receive appropriate credit for their work.

Contributions that are minor, such as writing a small section of the manuscript without significant engagement with the research itself, do not meet the criteria for authorship. Furthermore, being the only contributor to the study or relying on personal connections to the research institution also falls short of the accepted definition, which is based on the depth of intellectual engagement and contribution to the scientific discourse.