The order in the lists of authors in multi-author papers revisited

The leaders of scientific groups appear in the last place (or in the first place) of the authors’ lists of multi-author papers more often than other scientists (group-members). The preferential position of the group leader depends on the branch of science, geographical location and the time point. New tools to study the order of authors were introduced. The validity of assessment of the contributions of particular authors to the paper solely from their ranks in the authors’ lists was challenged.

► New tools to study the order of authors. ► Observation of 1st authorship of group leaders reported for the first time (last-authorship is well-known).