Intellectual property and power imbalance
From The Embassy of Good Science
ResourcesCases
Intellectual property and power imbalance
What is this about?
A graduate student makes a significant scientific discovery. When he shares it with his advisor, the advisor tells him the discovery is relatively minor. A few weeks later, the student finds out his advisor has published his discovery. The publication acknowledges the discussion with the student, but does not include him as an author. When the student confronts his advisor, she responds that "this is how the world works" and that he should be faster to publish his findings next time
The student makes a complaint to the department chair, who asks if he has proof. The student did not takes detailed notes and fears he cannot prove the matter. He feels stupid, and doubts if he should just accept what happened.
