Division for Research Development
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Understanding academic authorship

​​​​​​​​​​​​Description

When does somebody qualify to be listed as an author or co-author of a scholarly publication? ​Authorship and publication credit is the currency system of research and academic community, with both positive and negative implications. Bodies such as the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the Council of Science Editors (CSE) and various disciplinary groups or journals have developed criteria for authorship. However, the fact that these criteria have been articulated does not mean that they are always met in practice. Due to the relentless pressure to publish (enhanced by research incentive schemes), instances of questionable authorship practices are often reported. It is crucially important for postgraduate students to be aware of these issues.​

Workshop outline, Presented by Professor Jan Botha​​:​

  • The criteria that are used to determine authorship and the how these criteria are sometimes violated with questionable authorship practices​​.
  • The features and findings of research on scholarship principles, practices and its implications.
  • The principles of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and authorship, with particular reference to co-authorship between postgraduate students and supervisors.​

Cost

This workshop is funded by the Postgraduate Office.​​ There is no cost for registered SU postgraduates who sign up and attend, however, in the case of late cancellations or non-attendance, applicants will be responsible for the full workshop fee since late cancellations and non-attendance have considerable cost and logistical implications for our Office.  

Target audience

SU master's and doctoral candidates, primarily. 

Booking details

Please note that we will confirm your successful registration on receipt of your application. Booking is essential and places are limited. Participants must be available to attend the live online sessions on the day. 

Course format

Half-day online workshop: Mini-lecture sessions with interactive discussions between facilitator and participants, and engaged practical activities and feedback during the workshop. 
 
Time: 09:00-13:00 

Click on the workshop sign-up link below to secure your place.

​​The Postgraduate Skills Development Programme reserves the right to reshedule or to cancel a workshop if there is not enough interest. Registrations close five days before a workshop or when the workshop has reached capacity. 


For enquiries, please email pgskills@sun.ac.za.
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