Is it necessary for authors to declare assistance received in study design or manuscript preparation?

It is essential for authors to declare any assistance received in study design or manuscript preparation because transparency is vital in scientific publishing. Disclosure helps to ensure that the contribution of all individuals and organizations involved in the research process is acknowledged. This practice contributes to the integrity of the research by providing a clear understanding of potential influences or biases that could arise from external contributions.

By declaring such assistance, authors uphold ethical standards and maintain the trust of the readership and the scientific community. Furthermore, many journals require authors to disclose any contributions that could affect the interpretation of the study results or the credibility of the manuscript.

Disclosing assistance, whether it is related to study design, manuscript preparation, or any other aspect of research, allows for a comprehensive understanding of the study's development and reinforces accountability among researchers. Thus, it is important for authors to promote transparency and uphold ethical publication practices through these disclosures.