We promote improvements in science communication with a strong focus on increasing preprint adoption and their recognition as a formal output
The problem
The landscape of scientific publishing is facing unprecedented challenges. Traditional peer review processes are under increasing strain, while rising article processing charges (APCs) have deepened inequities within the research community. Evolving journal business models have incentivised questionable research practices and given rise to predatory publishers. Lengthy review times continue to delay the public dissemination of critical scientific findings. Meanwhile, the pressure to “publish or perish” has never been more intense, shaping the priorities and practices of researchers worldwide.
Preprints have the best potential to meaningfully improve scientific publishing and academic culture for the better
The solution
Preprints are scientific manuscripts shared prior to journal organised peer review, with no charge for authors or readers. By focussing on the scientific content, preprints move us away from poor proxies and open up possibilities in rethinking trust and research assessment.
Preprints avoid gatekeepers, inequitable costs and unfair assessment, all whilst speeding up the process of making new scientific findings public and accessible. Plan U calls for wide preprint adoption.
There are over 50 preprint servers with a life science component.
How we’re changing things
What we’re doing
Training
We provide training, teaching and speaking to educate and raise awareness about preprints
Community
We bring people together for collective action to boost preprint recognition and adoption
Resources
We create resources to support the adoption of preprints and open science practices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a preprint?
A manuscript shared online prior to journal organised peer review with no charges for authors or readers.
When should I post my preprint?
There is no definitive rule but preliminary data would suggest the ideal time to post a preprint is ~1 month prior to journal submission. Ultimately though, you should post when you feel like your work is ready for the world.
If I post a preprint will I be scooped?
Preprints have a DOI, a timestamped, citable and public. This provides protection from scooping and allows you to establish priority claims.
Can I cite and use preprints?
You can (and should) cite preprints if they inform your work. Preprints can be cited in research, grants and more.
Are preprints ever published?
Approximately 70% of preprints are associated with a published version1
Are preprints compatible with journal publishing?
Most journals have preprint policies with ~95% of journals allowing preprint posting. Journal policies can be checked: https://openpolicyfinder.jisc.ac.uk/
Where should I post a preprint?
There are over 50 preprint servers with a life science focus. The best server depends on who your target audience is and what your research contains.
Are preprints low quality
Preprints are comparable to the peer reviewed, published, literature. It is advisable to critically read any work (peer reviewed or not) that you intend you cite or otherwise use.
Are preprints recognised by funding agencies?
Many funding bodies have formal policies recognising preprints in fellowship and grant applications or as valid outputs.
Can preprints be peer reviewed?
Preprints can be peer reviewed by one of over 20 dedicated preprint review services &/or by the wider community. Many preprints are likely reviewed internally or by colleagues prior to posting too.
Are there restrictions to what I can post as a preprint?
There are some restrictions, depending on the preprint server. For example, bioRxiv does not allow literature reviews. Some servers may also refuse work that may need additional scrutiny.
Do preprints help with journal submission?
Some preprint servers (such as bioRxiv & medRxiv) integrate with preprint review services and journal submission systems. This can make the process much more efficient. Some journals also search preprint servers to invite submissions.
Preprints that are particularly groundbreaking or those that receive high amounts of attention can also aid with journal submission.
Can I post negative data in a preprint?
Yes! Preprints are great places to share negative data that would otherwise perhaps not be worth publishing.
Do preprints integrate with PubMed or similar services?
Europe PMC has indexed preprints since 2018. Preprints are also indexed in Google Scholar and PubMed Central (for NIH funded work)
Can I post a preprint to multiple servers?
It is strongly discouraged to post the same preprint to multiple preprint servers. Indeed many will reject submissions found to be posted elsewhere. This practice leads to conflicted copies and floods the literature unnecessarily.
Can I post a preprint after it has been published in a journal?
This is not generally accepted by preprint servers and serves little purpose. Preprint servers are not supposed to be used as a way of achieving open access for published journal articles. This also negates the benefits of preprinting.
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