In the spring of 2013, Richard Sever introduced bioRxiv, a preprint server for life sciences, via a brief Twitter post. This marked the beginning of an era where biomedical scientists could share their preliminary research findings before formal peer review. Initially met with skepticism, preprints have since gained significant traction, with about 14% of published biomedical research now appearing first as preprints. The launch of medRxiv in 2019 further solidified the importance of these platforms. Today, bioRxiv and medRxiv receive 10 million visitors monthly. To ensure the future of these servers, Sever is transitioning to lead openRxiv, a new nonprofit backed by substantial funding from various foundations.

Despite early concerns about being scooped or influencing public health practices, preprints have proven invaluable. During the pandemic, they facilitated rapid dissemination of critical research. Now, institutions and funders recognize the value of preprints, using them to assess researchers' work and even train students in peer review. As preprints continue to shape the scientific landscape, the focus remains on responsible screening to mitigate potential risks to public health while maintaining open access to knowledge.

The Rise of Preprints in Biomedical Research

The introduction of bioRxiv in 2013 was a pivotal moment for life sciences. Initially, the concept faced resistance from biomedical scientists who were wary of sharing unvetted research. However, the benefits of rapid dissemination quickly became evident. By allowing researchers to share their findings earlier, preprints have accelerated the pace of scientific discovery. Over the past decade, preprints have become an integral part of the scientific ecosystem, particularly during crises like the pandemic, where timely access to information was crucial. The shift towards preprints has not only changed how research is communicated but also how careers are advanced. Many early-career researchers credit preprints with securing their positions, highlighting the tangible impact on individual scientists.

Preprints have evolved from a niche practice to a mainstream tool in biomedical research. The initial reluctance stemmed from fears of being scooped or compromising publication in top-tier journals. However, these concerns have largely dissipated as the community recognized the advantages. Preprints allow researchers to establish priority, receive early feedback, and disseminate results faster. The pandemic further underscored the importance of rapid sharing, as preprints enabled the global scientific community to respond swiftly to emerging challenges. Institutions and funders have also embraced this shift, acknowledging that preprints provide valuable insights into the quality of research without waiting for journal publication. This recognition has led to preprints becoming a norm in job applications and career evaluations.

Navigating the Future: Open Access and Responsible Dissemination

To ensure the long-term sustainability of preprint servers, Richard Sever is stepping down from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press to lead openRxiv, a new nonprofit dedicated to supporting bioRxiv and medRxiv. This transition reflects the maturation of preprints beyond an experiment into a global resource. The organization will be supported by substantial funding from foundations like the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Sergey Brin Family Foundation. While the mission remains the same—free access to preprints—the new structure aims to diversify revenue sources and build a robust governance framework. This move ensures that preprints can continue to serve the scientific community without commercial constraints.

As preprints gain prominence, the responsibility to safeguard against misuse becomes paramount. Public health risks and misinformation pose ongoing challenges. During the pandemic, the volume of preprints surged, requiring rigorous content screening to prevent the spread of harmful information. Despite these efforts, some papers have been misinterpreted or weaponized in public discourse. However, severing access to vaccine-related data would be counterproductive. Instead, openRxiv continues to prioritize responsible screening, ensuring that valuable research reaches the scientific community while minimizing potential risks. The future of preprints lies in balancing open access with careful oversight, fostering a culture of transparency and trust in scientific communication.