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In a series of short analyses we took a closer look on the practice of (co-)authorship in various disciplines, using a Scopus database (see www.elephantinthelab.org). We found significant differences among the subject areas that we analyzed. While in nearly all disciplines the mere number of authors per article increased (2010-2016), the average number of authors per paper in these disciplines varies considerably.

Scientists must compete for limited funding as well as for academic positions and recognition. Many factors contribute to success, but Hirsch’s h -index puts the emphasis squarely on citations (Hirsch, 2005). In such a system, it is perceived that more citations should lead to more funds, promotions, job security, et cetera.

Description The number of authors per article in the subject area Multidisciplinary is 3.3 on average with a maximum of 58 authors. The mean number of coauthors is decreasing by 0.1 per year in the respective time period (Figure 1). The articles in this analysis ( n = 1111) were cited 14.5 times on average with a maximum of 348 citations.

What is scientific impact? Scientific impact reflects the influence that a finding or publication has on science or on society. Such impact can be short term or long term and it is important not to emphasize one over the other to too great an extent.

Description The number of authors per article in the subject area Mathematics is 2.9 on average with a maximum of 9 authors. The mean number of coauthors is increasing by 0.1 per year in the respective time period (Figure 1). The articles in this analysis ( n = 3657) were cited 8.2 times on average with a maximum of 357 citations.

Description The number of authors per article in the subject area Chemical Engineering is 2.6 on average with a maximum of 15 authors. The mean number of coauthors is increasing by 0.3 per year in the respective time period (Figure 1). The articles in this analysis ( n = 1303) were cited 5.9 times on average with a maximum of 112 citations.

Description The number of authors per article in the subject area Arts and Humanities is 2.1 on average with a maximum of 8 authors. The mean number of coauthors is decreasing by 0.01 per year in the respective time period (Figure 1). The articles in this analysis ( n = 749) were cited 6.6 times on average with a maximum of 50 citations.

Description The number of authors per article in the subject area Computer Science is 4 on average with a maximum of 21 authors. The mean number of coauthors is increasing by 0.1 per year in the respective time period (Figure 1). The articles in this analysis ( n = 1558) were cited 11.4 times on average with a maximum of 199 citations.

Description The number of authors per article in the subject area Dentistry is 5.5 on average with a maximum of 25 authors. The mean number of coauthors is increasing by 0.04 per year in the respective time period (Figure 1). The articles in this analysis ( n = 1536) were cited 13.6 times on average with a maximum of 183 citations.