校閲者・コーディネーターの月替わりのコラム

2026.06.02 Editor T. J.

What is a preprint?

A preprint is a version of a research manuscript that authors choose to share publicly before formal peer review. The concept is not new, as the idea dates back to the early 1990s with the launch of arXiv, a platform for sharing research in physics and mathematics before journal publication. But since then, the role of preprints in scientific publishing has expanded significantly. Preprints have now been adopted across many disciplines, particularly over the past decade, with platforms such as bioRxiv and medRxiv supporting the life sciences and clinical research communities.

Why do researchers use preprints?

Traditionally, new findings could take many months to become publicly available due to the time required for journal peer review. In many cases, the process from initial submission to final publication takes six to nine months, and in more complex cases — particularly if multiple rounds of revision or resubmission are required — this may extend to over a year.

Preprints offer an alternative route by allowing authors to share their work immediately, before formal evaluation. Researchers use preprints for several reasons:

• to disseminate findings rapidly, particularly in fast-moving fields
• to establish priority for a discovery
• to invite early feedback from the scientific community
• to ensure open accessibility, as most preprint servers are free for both authors and readers, avoiding the publication fees often associated with open access journals

to identify potential collaborators and build new research connections

Preprints can also be cited and are increasingly recognised within the scientific community, although they are not considered equivalent to peer-reviewed publications in formal evaluation metrics.

When should authors be cautious?

While preprints offer clear advantages, they also come with responsibilities and potential risks. Because the work is publicly available before peer review:

• errors, incomplete analyses, or overinterpretation may be visible to the community
• data and ideas are openly accessible and may be discussed, re-analysed, or built upon by others
• there may be concerns about being “scooped,” particularly if there are delays in journal submission

For these reasons, authors should approach preprints carefully. All co-authors should agree to public posting, and the manuscript should reflect a level of quality and completeness that the authors are comfortable sharing. Standard principles of authorship and responsibility still apply, even in the absence of formal peer review.

What does this mean for traditional publishing?

In response to their increasing use, most journals accept submissions that have previously been posted as preprints. The two systems are therefore considered complementary rather than conflicting. Preprints do not replace journal publication; instead, they represent a different stage in the research communication process. A preprint has not undergone formal peer review, whereas a journal article has been evaluated by experts for its methodological soundness, interpretation, and contribution to the field.

This distinction helps explain a common point of confusion: why might a paper be rejected by a journal even after appearing as a preprint? Posting a preprint does not in any way affect journal decisions. Ethical, legitimate journals assess submissions independently, and reviewers may still identify limitations in the study design, insufficient evidence to support the conclusions, or a lack of novelty — resulting in rejection or the need for revision.

In some cases, journal editors may be aware of the visibility or discussion surrounding a preprint, for example through community feedback or online engagement. While this can provide a sense of broader interest in the work, it does not replace formal peer review and is not a guarantee of acceptance.

What are the next steps after posting a preprint?

Posting a preprint should be seen as part of a broader publication strategy, not the final step. Authors are encouraged to:

• submit the manuscript to a journal promptly
• revise the work based on feedback received
• update the preprint with new versions as the study evolves
• link the preprint to the final published article once available 

Many preprint platforms support versioning, allowing readers to see how the work has changed through peer review.

Conclusion

Preprints support rapid and open dissemination of research, while journals provide formal validation and curation. When used thoughtfully, they offer a valuable balance between speed, accessibility, and scientific rigour in modern research communication.