Course Catalogue

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 authorship 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, presenting insights from her research and best practices (e.g. authorship guidelines and agreement forms). Small-group role play to practice handling difficult authorship conversations, followed by group discussion.

Trainer

Dr. Mary Hausfeld is Head of Education and Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the UZH Center for Leadership in the Future of Work. Her work on women’s and men’s authorship experiences was recently published in the Journal of Management.

Time and Place

Monday, 13 April 2026 | 14:00–16:30 (online)

Target Group

PhD students and postdocs at all levels and disciplines.

Language

English

Registration

Please contact [email protected]