In an ongoing commitment to foster openness and inclusivity in scientific publishing, PLOS (Public Library of Science) announced a significant update to its Authorship policy on May 10, 2023. This policy change aims to align authorship practices across disciplines and ensure a fair and transparent approach to credit and responsibilities for researchers.
Previously, all PLOS journals adhered to the authorship criteria set forth by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). These criteria were established primarily for clinical and biomedical research and served as the prevailing standard in the scientific, technical, and medical (STM) publishing landscape when PLOS initially launched its journals and established its editorial policies.
However, recognizing the need for a broader perspective, PLOS has now adopted the authorship criteria outlined in a 2018 article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by Marcia McNutt et al. This alternative standard emerged from the National Academy of Sciences' efforts to develop guidelines applicable to a wider range of disciplines.
While both the ICMJE criteria and the 2018 guidance share fundamental principles of crediting substantial contributions and ensuring accountability, they differ on certain specific details. The 2018 guidance takes a more inclusive stance on what types of contributions warrant authorship, acknowledging software tool development and allowing for authorship based solely on writing or substantial manuscript revision. This recognition better reflects the standards embraced by various research disciplines.
Considering the diverse communities it serves, PLOS has decided that the more inclusive 2018 standards are better suited for its journal portfolio. Moreover, these new guidelines align more closely with PLOS's approach to authorship in practice, where authors are entrusted with authorship decisions, and individual contributions are described using CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) terms. While PLOS journals have not strictly enforced adherence to all ICMJE criteria, transparency around contributions, combined with other policy terms, ensures that authorship issues can be appropriately addressed.
By implementing this policy update, PLOS continues to push the boundaries of open science, serve diverse research communities, and promote an inclusive and transparent approach to authorship within the published record. Additionally, the revised criteria aim to enhance authorship access for individuals worldwide, including those involved in global research, who make substantial contributions to research or reporting but may lack the opportunities, skills, or resources required to fulfill all ICMJE criteria.
Through this strategic shift in authorship policy, PLOS solidifies its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while championing fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in academic publishing. By aligning with industry-wide standards and adapting when necessary, PLOS sets a commendable example for other journals and publishers in their quest to uphold the meaning and significance of authorship within academia and the publishing industry.
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