For a multidisciplinary preprint platform such as Preprints.org, the advisory board plays an important role in supporting research integrity and the responsible dissemination of preprints. However, “What is an advisory board” is a question that comes up from time to time. Often, it’s in conjunction with editorial boards. But, is there a difference between an editorial board and an advisory board?
The term “editorial board” and “advisory board” are sometimes used interchangeably. They can also server different purposes depending on the journal or the platform.
Generally speaking, an editorial board (in the context of academic publishing, specifically) is a panel of experts on the subject matter that a journal covers. These experts might cover different sub-disciplines or areas of expertise, but on the whole are connected to the journal’s subject matter. These experts will often participate in the development of the journal. They might also actively help in the recruitment of authors and other editorial board members. But they don’t usually get involved in the daily affairs of running the journal.
Advisory board members, however, can be viewed differently. An advisory board might (like an editorial board) help with guidance. Unlike the editorial board members of an academic journal, not all advisory board members may share disciplines. In fact, they might have completely different disciplines. Their purpose is to offer guidance in a meaningful way to a project as a whole, but academics from a range of areas can work together.
Why does Preprints.org use an advisory board?
Preprints.org receives a great many of submissions from all around the world. And this research needs to be screened and checked for compliance. While Preprints.org has trained editors and voluntary screeners that can help with this, sometimes an expert’s opinion is needed.
A preprint is different to a typical peer reviewed journal paper without peer review. In fact, preprints are not always submitted to journals (though many are submitted after the fact and are published later). This is part of the appeal. Preprints are attractive to authors as they have almost immediate practical benefits. Preprints can be posted online quickly after a screen is performed. Here is where the advisory board can help
Information can be shared more efficiently and quickly using preprints than with traditional publishing. However, rapid dissemination should also be balanced with research integrity. As such, advisory board members in conjunction with screeners can help to establish a high level of reliability. This is one of the key contributions of the advisory board to the platform. They help maintain reliability without delaying research dissemination and promote trustworthy early research communication.
Not only that, preprints allow the discussion and ongoing improvement after posting, thanks to a comment function, flaws in research can be identified by the community and quickly addressed by the authors.
Who can join the board?
Currently, Preprints.org has a panel of researchers from all around the world that cover a vast range of topics. They provide academic guidance and operational perspectives on the Preprints.org platform to ensure it meets the needs of the scientific community. These active scholars are able to participate in the accelerating growth of knowledge from all around the world by helping others to get their research online.
Scholars that serve on the Preprints.org Advisory Board are almost always experienced members of editorial boards for academic journals. Many do both, bringing extensive experience in research assessment and ethic standards. The reasons for joining this sort of panel vary from person to person, but in many cases, there are distinct benefits through participation.
Researchers have the opportunity to read and learn about the state-of-the-art of their own field by screening research preprints. They also have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the movers and shakers of tomorrow in their fields. Some would appreciate a perspective on the interdisciplinary research activities. For many scholars, participating in such a panel is a meaningful way to support positive change in scholarly communication. As more researchers use preprints to accelerate their research dissemination and open discussion, advisory board members help support a more transparent and reliable research environment.
Being an advisory board member helps the community, but is a great place to learn more.
Preprints.org Advisory Board over time
Over the years, the Preprints Advisory Board has grown significantly. In our very first announcement, we were thrilled to announce the appointment of twenty members. Now, we’re happy to announce that we have well over three hundred academics across 11 disciplines, from all over the world, helping to evaluate and screen research before it is posted online.
Experienced scholars with extensive experience acting as Editorial Board Members for peer reviewed journals, are invited to join our Advisory Board.
