I was part of a research team where I made significant contributions to the design of the research study (a survey), and in writing I was recognized as on the team and promised to share authorship on resulting publication. The study was launched without consultation and without crediting me. (Several other researchers were likewise excluded).

I contacted a lawyer who wrote:

(I) has made a significant contribution to the Research Study since it began, participating as a co-author and co-owner of this collaborative effort.... (My( contributions to the Project cannot reasonably be in doubt. The basis for (my)s co-ownership is twofold: (1) (my)s status as a joint author under the United States Copyright Act, and (2) ethical standards for attribution in academic research projects.

This was sent in a demand letter to the lead researcher, without response. Instead a journal article was published with them as lead author again without crediting me.

I can't afford to continue hiring the attorney - ideas on what are my options here? My PhD mentor recommended talking with the journal that published the article.

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Thanks for assistance! -

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