A few years ago, in one graduate school subject I was enrolled in, I was involved in a research project with a teacher from another university. She had initially shown interest in collaborating, but as the project progressed, her involvement diminished. When the paper was ready for submission, I noticed her name listed as a co-author, even though she hadn’t contributed significantly to the research or writing process.
I felt uncomfortable, so I decided to bring up the issue with her. I gently explained that authorship should accurately reflect the level of involvement in the project. She responded by saying that in academic settings, it was common for senior figures, like herself, to be included as authors, even if their contribution was limited.
I suggested that we clarify the situation with our research adviser to ensure the paper adhered to proper academic standards. After some discussion, she agreed to have her name removed from the paper. This incident wasn’t formally reported anywhere, as the matter was resolved between us, but it made me realize how crucial it is to have clear expectations around authorship, especially in a collaborative setting where seniority might sometimes overshadow actual contribution.