Original Minds, Rightful Credit

Open Letter to Professionals in Research, Development, and Innovation

Dear Colleagues,

Too often, we hear from people whose contributions have been miscredited or overlooked.

We are reaching out to all professionals engaged in research, development, and innovation across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and design.

Whether you are a postgraduate student, a professional in industry, a researcher in academia, or undertaking research for public or private bodies, your voice is vital in addressing an issue that affects us all: the misappropriation and inadequate recognition of intellectual property.

Throughout history and continuing today, too many leading contributions in science, engineering, mathematics, design, and innovation have been under-recognised, misattributed, or outright plagiarised. There are simply too many examples of groundbreaking work that went uncredited in its time: one notable example is Ada Lovelace, whose contribution to computing was labelled ‘poetical’ and little known in her lifetime.

Despite growing awareness of these inequities, particularly with the rise of AI, the scale of the problem remains unquantified, and two key questions must be answered:

●      How many of us have had our research findings, innovations, inventions, images, texts, or other intellectual property misappropriated or inadequately credited?

●      What impact does this have on our careers and the progression of these fields?

To shed light on these questions, we are conducting a survey to quantify the experiences of researchers working and studying in the UK’s research, STEM, design, and innovation sectors.

The information and data gathered will provide invaluable insights into the prevalence and nature of plagiarism affecting researchers.

Our initial goal is to measure the scale of the issue in the UK, raise awareness, and use the findings to inform policy and cultural change.

What We Need From You

We invite you to take part in this survey and share your experiences — anonymously, if you prefer. By contributing your story, you are helping to build a more comprehensive understanding of the issue and to developing solutions that champion integrity in research, empowering future generations of innovators.

The survey findings will be published in 2025, and all responses will be anonymised in the final report. However, if you have experienced plagiarism of your work and are comfortable sharing your story publicly, please do contact me or our campaign team by direct message. Your testimony could be included in the publication, amplifying voices that deserve recognition and action.

Who Should Participate?

●      Researchers working in the UK science, STEM, design, and innovation sectors, including postgraduate students.

●      Those working in these fields in academia, industry, government, or the non-government sector.

●      Sector and industry experts with knowledge to share about the protection of intellectual property.

●      Those working in investment and funding that wish to contribute commentary on how IP infringement impacts on investing choices.

●      We particularly encourage contributions from women and individuals from underrepresented communities, including those of minority ethnic heritage, working-class backgrounds, and others who face barriers in their field.

This includes all those working in the UK in science, technology, engineering, innovation, and design, e.g. UK citizens, overseas citizens, residents, or those on temporary visas working in the UK.

How to Take Part

The survey is now open, and we encourage you to share this letter widely within your networks. Together, we can create a clearer picture of the issue and drive much-needed change.

If you are ready to participate, please click here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D2Z5FXH

For inquiries or to share your story directly, please reach out via direct message.

Invitation to Universities, Research Organisations, and Companies

We also warmly invite organisations and institutions to support this campaign. Whether by sharing the survey within your networks, sponsoring further research, or amplifying the voices of those impacted by plagiarism, your involvement is crucial.

Organisations that align with our mission to protect and recognise the intellectual property of authors are encouraged to reach out. Together, we can create systemic change and foster a culture where contributions are rightfully credited and celebrated.

Thank you for your time, your voice, and your contribution to this important effort.

Warm regards,

Dr. Melissa Sterry

Let’s build a fairer, more inclusive future for those working in research and innovation.

Share the open letter here.