A preprint is a full version of a research article that is shared publicly prior to publication. Preprints are typically not edited, but may be screened prior to posting.
ASAPbio has some excellent resources on preprints, including the video to the right.
i) Stake a claim to your research: preprints allows readers to learn about your findings quicker and establishes the precedence of your findings
ii)Pre-prints allow other the opportunity to provide feedback on your research paper prior to publication
iii) Pre-prints are assigned identifiers (e.g. DOI) and can be cited
iv) Preprinted articles get cited more and have higher altmetric scores
v) CIHR and other funders have released statements in support of preprints
There are a number of preprint servers available to use freely. Examples include: medRxiv, bioRxiv, OSF. You can also search ASAPbio’s directory of preprint servers.
Making a preprint typically only takes a few minutes and involves completing an online form (e.g., about your article and author team). You will also have to select license for your work. You can use the Creative Commons License Tool to help decide which is appropriate for your work.
Some preprint servers allow for direct transfer to journals. Once you have created a preprint you can update it, creating as many versions as you would like. This can be done to incorporate external feedback. Versions are kept as part of the preprint record.
Preprints do not typically preclude publication. However, researchers should check SHERPA/RoMEO to see if the journals they are considering submitting to permit preprints.
You can also verify if a allows preprints by checking the journal’s homepage.
Preprints in medicine are becoming a norm: A study looking at 100 of the highest impact factor clinical journals found that 86 allowed preprints and a further 13 permitted preprints on a case-by-case basis. Just 1 journal did not accept preprints.
Preprints have a long history outside of medicine. They have, for example, existed in the physical sciences for several decades.
Preprints in medicine have seen rapid recent uptake. Many funders (e.g., CIHR) have updated their policies to be explicit about promoting preprints as a form of responsible dissemination, and to specify that researcher’s should report preprints on their C.V. when applying for grants.
Some institutions have also moved to recognize preprints as part of hiring, tenure, or promotion decisions.
Bourne et al., (2017): Ten simple rules to consider regarding preprint submission
Server er al., (2019): Plan U: Universal access to scientific and medical research via funder preprint mandates
