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After writing the first draft of my paper, I sent the proof to an expert in my area. He responded my email in a neutral way, something like: I think if your argument is true then it would be nice,... I suggest you may read the paper ... to ...

Now, I would like to acknowledge him in my paper, sth. like: "I would like to thank Professor A for his comments". In my opinion, I should do this to show my gratitude. Besides, this also makes my paper somehow more concrete and professional, I think so.

My question: Do I need to ask Professor A the permission to acknowledge him? Or I just acknowlegde him without asking?

Thanks.

Hunjia
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2 Answers2

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I don't think it's necessary to ask permission for something like this - there's really nothing he could do to stop you from acknowledging him if he did take issue with it, so the permission isn't even his to give to begin with.

That said, you're acknowledging him because you respect and appreciate his comments, and want to formally recognize the working relationship you have with him. It couldn't hurt to send him an email thanking him for his contribution, and mention that you will be acknowledging him in the paper. If he really has a problem with it, he'll have the opportunity to ask you to do otherwise at that time.

Nuclear Hoagie
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It is no more necessarily to ask permission to thank or acknowledge someone in a paper than it is to thank or acknowledge someone in everyday conversation.

If you do acknowledge this person, you can send her/him an advanced copy of your final manuscript a few days before submission, or you can wait and send a copy of the accepted or published manuscript later. I personally prefer the first option: if this person feels strongly about your work you might get useful feedback, and if this person does not like being acknowledged she/he has an occasion to let you know before submission.

ZeroTheHero
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