Fair Attribution Guidelines

We are proud to announce the launch of the University of Cambridge's Fair Attribution Guidelines for Technical and Specialist Support.

What this means for you

Technicians should be acknowledged in publications and reports if they have: 

• Given initial training for user led experiments
• Supported in experimental design, data acquisition or interpretation both internally and externally. 
• Performed routine characterisation, obtain data for a simple experiment or sent data to the user to analyse. 
• Prepared items or materials used during experiments. 

Best practice for fair attribution 

• Discuss attribution at the start of every research project and update throughout 
• Use a decision framework to classify contributions. 
• Encourage staff to maintain ORCID profiles and list publications. 
• All acknowledgements must be approved by the individuals named.
• Consult your line manager, supervisor, or research integrity advisor with queries. 

Technical Staff: Statement of Expectations

Technicians make vital contributions to teaching and research through the provision of their technical expertise. The University of Cambridge want to ensure that technicians are well supported as equal members of research teams and have access to appropriate career development and progression. The Statement of Expectations sets out our strong expectation for inclusive and fair practice for technicians across research and technical environments.

The document features:

• Recommended training allocation
• Expectations of technical managers
• Actions for technical staff

Read the full statement: Technical Staff: Statement of Expectations .


We would like to thank both internal staff and the wider sector for taking time to help develop and promote these guidelines.