Researchers should offer their time to support rigorous, fast-track scientific review to help combat the erosion of good science during pandemics. They should also support quality control mechanisms for open communication modalities such as pre-print servers or social media.

During pandemics, the role of academic journals increased as they tried to disseminate new knowledge about the virus, the epidemic and clinical care rapidly. Many journals received twice as many submissions as in the year before. At the same time, reviewers were more difficult to find as they were busy with their primary work as medical professionals, academics, clinical trial researchers etc. If at all possible, researchers should support review systems during pandemics to accelerate the progress of science.

Related PREPARED Output:

Chatfield K (2024) Guidance for fair and fast desk assessment of submitted manuscripts during times of crisis, a report for PREPARED