Where is the appropriate place to list an investigator who only collected data or provided funding?

Listing an investigator who only collected data or provided funding in the acknowledgments section is appropriate because this section is specifically designed to recognize individuals or organizations who have contributed to the study but do not meet the criteria for authorship. Authorship typically requires substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. Since the investigator’s involvement is limited to data collection or funding, acknowledging their contribution rather than listing them as an author accurately reflects their role in the research process.

This practice aligns with ethical guidelines in medical publishing, ensuring transparency about contributions. The acknowledgments section serves to honor these contributions while maintaining clarity on who qualifies as an author based on established criteria.