(Episode 99) Preprints as a catalyst for change in Research Culture

Research Culture Uncovered

In this episode, host Dr Emily Goodall explores the transformative role of preprints and advocacy in research culture change with special guest Dr Jonny Coates, Associate Director of ASAPbio. They discuss how preprints could reshape the publishing landscape, support early career researchers, and drive positive changes in research culture.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Transforming scientific publishing: Preprints prioritise research quality over journal prestige, giving authors more control, boosting collaboration, and increasing research visibility.
• Supporting early career researchers: By accelerating the dissemination of findings, preprints offer significant benefits to early career researchers. Institutional changes, such as preprint-friendly policies and hiring criteria that prioritise research quality over where the work is published, are essential.
• The ASAPbio Fellows program: This global training program helps participants develop advocacy and communication skills while learning about the role of preprints. Open to individuals at all career stages and those in non-academic roles, it offers the opportunity to connect with a supportive community passionate about open research practices.
• The role of people and communities in shaping the future: Lasting change comes from individuals driving initiatives within their communities, highlighting the growing momentum to improve research culture.

Tune in to learn how preprints and advocacy are helping to reshape research culture for the better.

🔍 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• ASAPbio preprint resource center
• ASAPbio fellows program information, applications for 2025 are open now until 10th February
• Converting journal clubs to preprint review clubs
• The SPARC unbundling profiles series seeks to support libraries that may consider unbundling from a journal package (or cancelling altogether)
• Meta-research paper about the evolving role of preprints during COVID

All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:

• Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on LinkedIn)
• Open Research withNick Sheppard (follow Nick on LinkedIn)
• Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on LinkedIn)
• Research talent management with Tony Bromley (follow Tony on LinkedIn)
• Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on LinkedIn)
• Research co-production
• Research Leadership
• Research Evaluation

Connect to us or leave us a review on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here)

Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social , @researchcultureuol.bsky.social

Leeds Research Culture links:

• Researcher Development and Culture Website
• Our Concordat Implementation plans and progress
• University of Leeds Research Culture Statement
• University of Leeds Responsible Metrics Statement
• University of Leeds Open Research Statement
• University of Leeds Research Culture Strategy - launched September 2023