Guest post by; Doherty Funmilayo PhD, Atoyebi Abdulwakeel O., Balogun Peter, Aguh Anthony and Adamolekun Emmanuel
A hybrid training titled “Empowering Researchers: Leveraging Preprints for Academic Advancement” was organized by Yaba College of Technology, Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, Lagos, Nigeria on March 11, 2024 and sponsored by ASAPbio as one of their community projects. The significant event brought together participants in research, and academia, both physically and virtually, to unlock the transformative potential of preprints – a revolutionary tool that promises to accelerate the dissemination of knowledge and foster collaboration.
The event kicked off with leading experts taking the stage to demystify the world of preprints. From defining their very essence to debunking myths and addressing concerns, the presentations left no stone unturned, equipping attendees with a comprehensive understanding of preprints.
The interactive workshop allowed participants to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of preprint submission, open peer review, and navigating the intricacies of preprint repositories. These hands-on sessions empowered researchers with the skills to harness the full potential of preprints, ensuring they remain at the forefront of academic advancement.
In her welcome address, the Acting Director of Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, shed light on the event’s pivotal objective: to create awareness about preprints, a concept that has yet to thrive and be fully embraced in Nigeria. Her words resonated deeply, underscoring the urgency to embrace this transformative tool and unlock its vast potential for the continent’s research endeavours.
In a call to action, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, urged researchers in tertiary institutions to embrace preprints wholeheartedly. He painted a vivid picture of a future where knowledge is democratized, inclusivity and transparency reign supreme, and collaboration transcends boundaries.
In his opening remark, Jonny Coates, the Associate Director at ASAPbio, set the tone for the event. With insightful remarks, he laid the foundation for the discussions ahead, emphasizing the importance of preprints in transforming academic research. Coates’s words resonated deeply, igniting a sense of anticipation for the enlightening sessions to come.
The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with 53 virtual attendees, 74 physical attendees (including researchers from Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos), and a staggering 278 registered participants – a testament to the growing recognition of preprints as a catalyst for academic excellence.
Among the esteemed speakers was Godwyns Onwuchekwa, Head of Community at eLife, who illuminated eLife’s new publishing model utilizing preprints and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. He delved into topics like the benefits of using preprints, eLife’s approach to actively engaging with them, and insights into the future of academic publishing.
Harold Bowa from UbuntuNet Alliance captivated the audience with his comprehensive introduction to preprints – explaining what they are, how they differ from journal publications, and emphasizing their essence in accelerating rapid knowledge dissemination. Bowa also highlighted preprints’ vital role in fostering early collaboration among researchers by inviting feedback from peers before formal peer review. His myth-busting insights addressed common concerns surrounding preprints as well.
Jonny Coates, Associate Director at ASAPbio, provided an overview of the resources and opportunities offered by ASAPbio to support preprint adoption.
Vanessa Fairhurst, Community Manager at PREreview, introduced the audience to the PREreview platform, explaining why reviewing preprints is important in the context of models like the Preprint Review Club (PRC), and even gave a walkthrough demo on posting reviews to PREreview.
As the curtains closed on this significant event, it became evident that a major shift had begun – a shift that promises to propel African research onto the global stage, shattering barriers and ushering in a new era of academic innovation. The “Empowering Researchers: Leveraging Preprints for Academic Advancement” event was not just a gathering; it was a clarion call, a catalyst for change, and a testament to the unwavering pursuit of knowledge that defines the African research community.
The positive reception was palpable, with participants expressing their appreciation for the event and its potential to transform research practices:
“As an early career researcher, I found this event incredibly eye-opening,” shared one participant. “The presentations and workshops demystified preprints in a way that made me feel empowered to start utilizing them in my own work. I’m excited about the possibilities for accelerating the dissemination of my research findings and fostering valuable collaborations through preprint platforms. The hands-on training was invaluable.”
Another attendee, who initially had reservations about preprints, stated, “This event addressed my concerns comprehensively. The expert speakers provided a balanced perspective, highlighting both the benefits and potential challenges. I’m now convinced that preprints are a vital tool for enhancing research visibility and promoting open science practices. The panel discussions were thought-provoking and gave me a deeper appreciation for the future of academic publishing.”
A senior researcher, who has witnessed the traditional publishing landscape evolve over the years, expressed, “This event opened my eyes to the transformative potential of preprints in a way I hadn’t fully grasped before. The organizers did an excellent job of creating a supportive environment for participants to learn and engage with this emerging trend. I’m inspired to explore preprint platforms and encourage my colleagues and students to embrace this innovative approach to knowledge dissemination.”
Media outlets have covered the event. Reports from newsflasher and newmail highlight the significance of the discussions and the urgency conveyed by participants and speakers alike. This widespread coverage underscores the event’s impact in catalyzing a transformative shift in academic research practices, not only in Africa but on a global scale. You can watch the event on YouTube (part 1 & part 2).
