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Preprints: FAQs

This guide is intended for researchers in the health sciences who are considering posting or citing preprints. It provides an overview of what preprints are, how to share them responsibly, and how to evaluate them as part of the scientific literature.

How to Post a Medical Preprint in 5 Steps

  1. Discuss with Co-Authors: Ensure all collaborators agree on preprinting, especially considering ethical and clinical implications.

  2. Select a Preprint Server: Choose a platform that aligns with your field and goals, For instance, medRxiv for health sciences, bioRxiv for biological sciences, or multidisciplinary options like Open Science Framework (OSF) Preprints and Research Square.
  3. Check Journal Policies: Some journals do not accept manusciprts that present research already published in pripernt
  4. Choose a License: Select a Creative Commons license that fits your goals for reuse and sharing. Make sure your preprint complies with relevant sharing and reuse policies, such as those from your funder(e.g., NIH), institution, or ethical guidelines.
  5. Prepare and Upload: Format the manuscript per the preprint server’s guidelines and include links to datasets, clinical trials, or supplementary materials.

Revised from (Singh, S. P., et al. Asapbio Preprint Infographics: Post Your Preprint in 5 Steps, Publishing Process, Take Action in Support of Preprints. Zenodo, 24 Nov. 2021, doi:10.5281/zenodo.5724096.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I include a preprint on my CV or NIH biosketch?
A: Yes. Preprints can demonstrate research progress and are increasingly recognized.


Q: Can I share a preprint privately with grant reviewers?
A: No. Preprints are public by nature. If you post it, anyone can access it.


Q: Can I cite someone else’s preprint in my manuscript?
A: Yes, you can. However, check whether the preprint has since been peer-reviewed and published in a journal. If so, cite the final published version. Always read the preprint (or published article) before citing. Also, review the journal’s author guidelines. Some journals have specific policies about citing preprints.


Q: Can posting a preprint get me scooped?
A: Preprints can help protect your research. A preprint provides a time-stamped, publicly accessible version of your manuscript including DOI, which can establish priority and support your claim to original work in case of disputes.