Q: Publishing as a single author

Detailed Question -

Can I publish a paper out of my thesis without my supervisor as a co-author? I have sent him emails asking his consent, yet he has not replied for many months. I do not want to put his name without his consent because I am certain that would be unethical. Can I put his name in the acknowledgment section?

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

Dear Author,

Thank you for your question, and I understand your confusion.

Including your supervisor as a co-author is generally recommended when publishing a paper based on thesis work. However, such practices may vary depending on the target journal or the institution. Since your supervisor was involved during the thesis work, it is crucial to obtain their consent and involvement in the publication process, even if they have been unresponsive to your attempts to contact them.

If you have been unable to reach your supervisor through emails, I would recommend exploring alternative means of communication such as phone calls or in-person meetings. If these don’t work, seek guidance from your department/institution's research ethics committee/or an academic advisor to understand the appropriate steps to take.

While it may be an option to acknowledge your supervisor in the acknowledgement section of the paper, it is essential to adhere to the ethical standards of the journal.

 

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