Most researchers are comfortable conducting and writing research; knowing how to disseminate research effectively is an entirely different skill. Research dissemination is key to maximising research impact. Without it, research would sit idle in online libraries, databases, and servers, uncited by peers and invisible to readers. Therefore, it’s vital that authors familiarise themselves with the best tools available for sharing preprints with peers.
In this article, we’ll explore the effectiveness of preprint research dissemination, and which tools for sharing preprint research can further maximise visibility and impact for authors.
Effectiveness of preprint research dissemination
Research dissemination is key to scientific communication. The principles of open access support dissemination of scientific research by helping it reach as wide an audience as possible with as little obstruction as possible. Preprints further facilitate this widespread dissemination of research through fast submission turnaround times and open access licensing.
The effectiveness of preprint research dissemination is clear. Studies have shown that preprints receive more attention and citations than peer-reviewed articles, with 1.5x more citations and higher Altmetric engagement. The study also concluded that preprints attract more media coverage and social media mentions.
A large part of the reason for increased visibility of preprint research is the ease with which it can be shared through various channels. There are many effective channels for maximising the visibility and impact of preprint research. Let’s look at some of the most important tools for sharing preprints with peers.
Preprint servers
Preprint servers are the primary means of preprint research dissemination. They act as large platforms for hosting the latest research across disciplines. Preprint servers can either be discipline-specific or multidisciplinary.
On servers like Preprints.org, submitted preprints are posted online under open access Creative Commons licensing. This means that peers and readers around the world can freely access key developments in scientific research, and cite preprints in any reuse, whilst recognizing the authors. Authors can expect a fast submission turnaround time, with preprints posted online within 48 hours of submission, if accepted.
Collaborative review and feedback platforms
Collaborative review and feedback platforms such as PREreview are ideal for further increasing the visibility of your preprint. PREreview is an open-source and non-profit platform dedicated to equity and transparency in research feedback. The platform allows researchers to collaboratively evaluate scientific preprints, with each review being assigned its own Digital Object Identifier (DOI), making it easily searchable and citeable.
Preprints.org and PREreview operate a cross-platform partnership committed to accelerating research and fostering community-driven review. Authors posting a preprint on Preprints.org can click “PREreview Request” once your preprint is online. This will notify you when feedback on your work is received.
ORCID profile
An ORCID profile is a digital professional resume hosted on the ORCID registry. It is connected to your ORCID iD, a persistent identification number that allows readers, peers, and institutions to reliably track your research output.
Linking preprints to an ORCID iD ensures all outputs are attributed and discoverable in a single persistent researcher profile.
Academic social networks and media
Academic social networks such as ResearchGate, and Academia.edu, and SciProfiles allow you to build profile pages and sync your publications, preprints etc. to there, usually via ORCID or other databases. Some platforms may send notifications when your work is read or cited. They also allow you to connect with colleagues to further share preprints, and track engagement analytics to see the impact of your work.
Other social media that is often used by academics, such as LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and BlueSky are useful for appealing more directly to the wider academic community. LinkedIn is good for broad professional reach; Twitter/X and BlueSky for real-time academic discourse. Make sure to use appropriate hashtags and tag relevant accounts to maximise dissemination and visibility.
Conference sharing
Preprint findings can be presented at conferences, workshops, and seminars. This is widely accepted but sometimes dependent on the conference’s policies. If conferences enable preprint sharing, this provides direct peer engagement and an opportunity for feedback from scholars. Don’t forget to include the DOI of your preprint on any presentation slides.
Authors should also look out for online preprint and opens science events, such as ASAPBio’s meetings and Peer Review Week events. At these meetings and events there may be further opportunities to discuss your own preprint research with other community members.
Understanding research dissemination
There are many tools at your disposal for sharing preprints with peers. Understanding how research dissemination works and the methods needed to effectively perform it will help you decide which tools are best for your research.
For more information, see our article on research dissemination and why it matters and the link between preprints and visibility.
