[gumby]

As the authors are typically listed alphabetically that would unwittingly have an inhumane result.

(My name moved from the end of the alphabet to the middle when I married. I was amused that it actually makes a difference).

[bostonfincs]

Authors aren’t usually listed alphabetically in academic papers though, typically it is relative contribution (not saying alphabetical never happens though).

[nickswalker]

It differs by research area. For example, the mathematics authorship convention is alphabetical. Computer science is by contribution.

[asciident]

Computer science theory papers are alphabetical as well.

[cozzyd]

In large collaborations, this is common. See e.g. https://inspirehep.net/authors/1222902?ui-citation-summary=t...

[icelancer]

Also depends on the journal; some have the most impactful author stated last.