What must coauthors ensure for their inclusion according to ICMJE guidelines?

Coauthors, according to the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) guidelines, must meet specific criteria that focus on their significant contributions to the research and the manuscript. One of the primary requirements is that they should be actively involved in writing or revising the manuscript. This engagement ensures that coauthors have a strong understanding of the work presented and have contributed to shaping the final product.

This requirement emphasizes the responsibility coauthors have in ensuring that the manuscript reflects the research accurately and thoroughly. Furthermore, it is vital that they can defend the work and its conclusions, which is facilitated through their direct involvement in the writing and revision processes. By participating in these aspects, coauthors not only validate their contributions but also adhere to ethical standards in medical publishing.

While other roles and responsibilities in the research process, such as funding acquisition or contributing to the editorial process, might be relevant to a research project or publication, they do not fulfill the specific criterion for coauthorship as outlined by the ICMJE guidelines.