Authorship Best Practices
The scientific integrity The adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities. Inclusivity, transparency, and protection from inappropriate influences are hallmarks of Scientific Integrity. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy] of a final product cannot be assessed without accurate attribution Attribution usually requires documenting that (1) at least one hazardous substance found in a release at a concentration significantly above background (or directly observed in the release) was produced, stored, deposited, handled, or treated at the site; and (2) at least a portion of the significant increase could have come from a source at the site. through careful assignment of authorship. The best practices described in this document apply to any EPA work product where authorship is designated, including but not limited to journal articles, reports, presentations, posters, documentation of models or software, communication products, technical support documents, and guidance documents.
This document is intended to provide a set of objective criteria and general standards that can be used to prevent or resolve authorship issues and ensure the appropriate acknowledgment of individual contributions in EPA work products.
Please discuss authorship early and often, beware of common authorship abuses, and report authorship abuses to the Scientific Integrity Official or your Deputy Scientific Integrity Official.