Lessons from the influx of preprints during the early COVID-19 pandemic

Liam Brierley

doi:10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00011-5

Abstract

Approximately 1 year since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first recognised, the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised by widespread transmission, substantial strains on health infrastructure, and global losses of life numbering millions. However, the scientific response to the pandemic has taken place on an unprecedented stage of rapid, open-platform science, including considerable developments within preprint research literature. Uploading non-peer-reviewed articles as preprints can offer immediate accessibility without restrictions from potentially lengthy journal submission or publication processes.

Highlights

1 year since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first recog nised, the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised by widespread transmission, substantial strains on health infrastructure, and global losses of life numbering millions
Use of preprint repositories has become more commonplace within life sciences over the past 5 years,[2] the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in large volumes of available preprint research, with over 6700 COVID-19-related preprints posted between January and April, 2020.3 When quantified against other globally notable outbreaks of emerging RNA viruses, to date, the speed of preprint responses to the COVID-19 pandemic appear enormously accelerated, increasing at rates well over 100 times higher
An estimated average of 39·5 COVID-19 preprints have been posted per day during the pandemic, relevant preprints were posted only once every 10·5 days during the Ebola virus epidemic in 2014

Summary

Introduction

1 year since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first recog nised, the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised by widespread transmission, substantial strains on health infrastructure, and global losses of life numbering millions. The scientific response to the pandemic has taken place on an unprecedented stage of rapid, openplatform science, including considerable developments within preprint research literature.

Results

Conclusion