What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to understand what happens to scientific preprints after they are shared online.

March 13, 2026Open Access

From Preprint to Published: The Secret Life of Scientific Manuscripts

Key Points

This research aims to understand what happens to scientific preprints after they are shared online.
Documented over 145,000 bioRxiv preprints
Analyzed the transition to formal journal publication
Examined changes in manuscript content during the process
A significant number of preprints transition to formal publication
Several manuscripts undergo notable changes before publication
Insights into the relationship between rapid sharing and publication practices

Abstract

What really happens to research preprints after they hit the digital world? At GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, a dedicated team has documented the journey of over 145,000 bioRxiv preprints, revealing surprising twists and the evolving relationship between speedy online sharing and formal journal publication. The newly released PreprintToPaper dataset shines a light on these hidden scientific stories—but just how many make it all the way to print, and what changes along the way?

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