What does the term investigator group refer to?

The term "investigator group" refers to a team of researchers named in a manuscript. This group typically includes the individuals who were directly involved in the research study, contributing to the design, implementation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. These researchers may come from various disciplines and institutions, collaborating to ensure comprehensive expertise in the investigation. The name of this group often appears in publications to give proper attribution for the work done and to highlight the collaborative nature of the research effort.

A thorough understanding of investigator groups is crucial for transparency and accountability in scientific research. It establishes responsibility for the work published, allowing readers to assess the credibility and potential biases in the study based on the expertise and affiliations of the contributors. While funding sources and potential authors are important considerations in research, they do not accurately capture the essence of what an investigator group is.