Acknowledging the CAM

CAM scientist co-authorship. CAM scientists often make significant intellectual or otherwise enabling contributions to the success of a research project, and recognition of these contributions is important. In such cases it is expected that such individual(s) will be included as co-author(s) of all publications arising from or making use of the results obtained by the core facility. Significant intellectual input could include any or all of the following:

1. Experimental design such as optimization of sample preparation protocols;
2. Involvement in data collection beyond standard user analytical methods;
3. Interpretation or analysis of results; or
4. Writing or editing significant portions of the manuscript.

In general, it is preferable to discuss the potential for this at the outset of the project, especially when the project involves developmental work rather than repetition of an established procedure. Research advisors should contact the CAM Director if there is a question about this policy, or about a core facility scientist’s contribution to a project.

In addition to acknowledgment or co-authorship resulting from technical support and collaboration with CAM Staff, published data resulting from facility use should include an acknowledgment such as, "Microscopy data collection was performed at the MSU Center for Advanced Microscopy".

Core facility charges. Please note that service fees are charged for consumable supplies, operating costs, and to maintain and improve each of the core facilities. These service fees are not a substitute for appropriate recognition of the contributions of core lab personnel through acknowledgments and/or co-authorship on publications.