Informal Authorship Negotiations: Navigating Disputes with Skill and Diplomacy

Authorship decisions can have significant impacts on career progression, professional relationships, and scientific accountability—but they are not always straightforward. This session will explore best practices in responsible authorship, including how to develop authorship agreements, clarify roles and responsibilities, and navigate disagreements when they arise.

Participants will learn about resources available at NIH and hear from Kathy Partin, AIRIO; Victor Voloshin, NIH Ombudsman; and Lori Conlan, Acting Director of OITE, about how their offices can support trainees and investigators in authorship-related concerns.

Through discussion and case studies, the session will offer practical strategies for addressing authorship issues with clarity, professionalism, and diplomacy. Whether you are preparing your first manuscript or managing a complex collaboration, this session will help you feel more prepared to approach authorship conversations constructively.

This is a workshop session with a primary lecture component, case study discussions, and time for questions.

American Sign Language interpreting services, CART services, and other reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Individuals who need interpreting services and/or other reasonable accommodations to participate in this event should contact OITE at [email protected] or the NIH Interpreting Office directly at [email protected]. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance, when possible, in order to ensure interpreter availability.