What measure can enhance the integrity of research outputs?

Establishing clear authorship criteria and agreements significantly enhances the integrity of research outputs by ensuring that all contributors receive appropriate recognition for their work. It sets forth guidelines on who qualifies as an author and what their specific contributions are, thus preventing disputes over authorship and ensuring accountability among researchers. When authorship roles are clearly defined and agreed upon, it fosters a transparent research environment where everyone involved understands their responsibilities and the extent of their contributions. This clarity can lead to more ethical research practices, as it incentivizes researchers to engage fully and honestly in the process while avoiding issues like plagiarism or authorship misattribution.

Creating a framework for authorship also aligns with broader practices in research integrity, as it emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among team members, ultimately leading to more credible and trustworthy research outcomes.