Simula has implemented the following basic guidelines adapted from the Vancouver protocol with respect to authorship in scientific publications:
Condition 1: An author must have made a substantial contribution to one or more of the following:
- Development of the initial idea, method and design of the investigation that is particular to the research
- Implementation of programs, tools, platforms, or similar, specifically for research purposes
- Performing empirical studies
- Analysis, interpretation and discussion of the results
Condition 2: An author must have contributed significantly to the writing process of the paper
Condition 3: An author must have approved the final version to be published
For full authorship to be granted, conditions 1, 2 and 3 have to be met by all authors. A person who fulfils condition 1 must be given the opportunity to fulfill conditions 2 and 3. A person who fulfils condition 1 but not conditions 2 or 3 should be acknowledged.
In order to ensure authenticity of the research, Simula has adopted the following guidelines:
- In general, at least two researchers must verify that each part of the paper is valid by determining that the paper accurately reports observed results, that it does not omit relevant results, and that it properly refers to earlier work of other scientists. For single-author papers, the closest superior of the researcher should carry out this verification.
- For research based on collection of empirical data (e.g. from surveys and experiments) at least two researchers must validate the data and findings, and verify that the research is based on studies that are scientifically sound.
- For research based on theoretical considerations at least two of the researchers must understand each step of the analysis and verify the soundness of the study.
In order to preserve the anonymity of subjects (individuals and organizations) who participate in our research, researchers at Simula who handle such data from subjects has to ensure that:
- A covenant of confidentiality is signed for all researchers participating
- Informed consent is obtained from the participant without undue pressure
- Termination is possible for the subject
- Published data is presented in a form that preserves anonymity of the subjects
- Storage of data is in adherence to the confidentiality principles, and the data is inaccessible to non-participating parties
