Q: Can I be the first author of the paper that was reconstructed from the student’s thesis?
The master student I taught has discontinued his research because he got a job at a company after graduation. But his research met a level that can be submitted to academic journals if reconstructed, so I am going to reconstruct his master’s thesis. When I submit the paper, I will be the first author and the graduate student will be the second author. Is this acceptable?
It is important that an individual's contribution is duly awarded with authorship. According to the ICMJE and COPE guidelines, authorship implies responsibility and accountability for the published work. Although the individual is not involved in research work anymore, they reserve the right to be the author for their contribution in that study. You can remain the first author and corresponding author for this manuscript, but ensure that the individual who worked on this study primarily is given due credit in terms of authorship.
This content belongs to the Conducting Research Stage