Description
Authorship decisions – who is named and in which order – have major implications for academic careers, but these decisions are often made in opaque and inconsistent ways. Power dynamics, disciplinary norms, and unclear expectations can lead to misunderstandings, authorship conflict, and even potentially harm to early-career researchers. Questionable authorship practices like “ghost authorship” and “gift authorship” can lead to contributions being overlooked or overinflated, distorting representations of academic contribution.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the challenges and complexities of authorship and academic collaboration, focusing on fairness, transparency, and navigating complex power dynamics. Drawing on recent research, including reviews of institutional authorship policies and evidence of which groups are most impacted by authorship misconduct, we’ll reflect on common dilemmas and practical strategies for navigating authorship conversations.
Participants will learn about current best practices, including the use of authorship guidelines and agreement forms, and how these can support ethical and equitable collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
Learning objectives
-Recognize common authorship challenges—especially those experienced by early-career researchers—and how they vary across disciplines
-Learn best practices for fair and transparent authoring practices and practice using available resources
-Develop confidence in initiating conversations about authorship and navigating authorship conflict
Format
Interactive workshop with input by Dr. Mary Hausfeld showing insights from her research and best practices (e.g., authorship guidelines/agreement forms). Small group 'role play' to practice handling difficult authorship conversations. Group discussion.
Trainer
Dr. Mary Hausfeld is Head of Education and Post-Doctoral Research Associate at UZH Center for Leadership in the Future of Work. Her work on women’s and men’s authoring experiences was recently published in the Journal of Management.
Time and Place
24 September 2025; 15:00 to 17:00 (onsite at HSG; room 58-424)
Target Group
HSG PhD students and postdocs at all levels and disciplines. Members of other universities please contact fd@unisg.ch
Academic staff from other universities please contact fd@unisg.ch
Language
English