Preprints in biology have gained incredible momentum over the last few years, with over 2,000 being posted each month. But, in the context of all published papers, these numbers are still tiny: the rate of preprint posting is <3% of the research that is indexed by PubMed. Will the preprinting become the norm only in a few communities, or will the practice become a standard way of communicating that accelerates and enriches research across the life sciences?
We’re developing a strategy to ensure the latter. To facilitate the growth of preprints, we want to help many different communities have conversations about their productive use.
We’re delighted to announce that we will be continuing our work of promoting awareness of preprints in the life sciences for the next three years. These efforts will be supported by a new Member Advisory Group composed of six funders from three countries, initially including:
- The Wellcome Trust (UK)
- Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (US)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (US)
- Simons Foundation (US)
- Medical Research Council (UK)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CA)
Members of this group will advise ASAPbio on our work in raising awareness of preprints and catalyzing discussions about best practices. This will involve:
- Revitalizing our Ambassadors program
- Expanding social media efforts
- Creating resources that help authors to learn about their options for preprinting, including a directory of preprint servers
- Promoting discussion about best practices for preprinting, such as media involvement, commenting, and more
- Researching the growth and effects of preprinting
What are some of remaining barriers to the widespread use of preprints that you see? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below or privately at jessica.polka@asapbio.org. Your input will be used to guide our work moving forward.
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