This episode explores the evolving landscape of academic publishing in China, questioning the traditional practice of automatically granting supervisors first authorship. Against the backdrop of established customs where tutor-first authorship is seen as respect and a boost to credibility, a Chinese academic journal is advocating for students to claim the first author spot when they deserve it, sparking debate about ethical publishing versus traditional values. The discussion highlights the power dynamic between students and supervisors, where access to resources and the pressure to publish for career advancement often lead to the practice of offering authorship regardless of contribution. More significantly, the conversation broadens to address the global phenomenon of authorship abuse in academia, driven by funding and career pressures, potentially undermining academic integrity. As the discussion pivoted to potential solutions, the panel considered how this challenge to unspoken rules could encourage young scholars and promote a fairer recognition of intellectual contributions, potentially reshaping academic publishing norms. The episode concludes by drawing parallels with other industries, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging individual contributions and breaking outdated rules that hinder progress.
