This is the 2846th most frequent Russian word.
авторов
"Of the authors" (genitive plural of "автор").
Here, the word 'авторов' is in the genitive plural form, indicating possession or association with multiple authors and describes their works.
Работы этих авторов изменили мои взгляды.
The works of these authors have changed my views.
In this case, 'авторов' again serves as the genitive plural form, showing the association of works with the authors being studied.
Мы изучаем произведения известных авторов.
We are studying the works of famous authors.
In this context, 'авторов' is used as a genitive plural noun to specify the authors related to the project in question.