prepublicationreview

Prepublication review is a process in which a manuscript, report, dataset, or other research product is evaluated by editors, reviewers, or designated officials before it is publicly released or formally published. Its aim is to improve accuracy, clarity, methodological soundness, and compliance with relevant policies, including ethical standards and data handling. It is distinct from post-publication peer review, which occurs after dissemination.

The process can be internal within a research institution, a funding agency, or a journal, or involve external experts. It may include checks of statistical analyses, data availability, reproducibility, potential misinterpretation, and disclosure of conflicts of interest. Depending on the context, it may also verify compliance with legal, regulatory, or security requirements, such as handling of sensitive information or patient data.

In academia, prepublication review is commonly associated with editorial screening before formal peer review, but in other contexts it can be a broader quality and compliance check or a policy for sharing preliminary findings. In government and industry, prepublication review can be used to prevent release of information that could cause harm, violate privacy laws, or breach confidentiality.

While intended to enhance reliability, critics argue that prepublication review can introduce delays, gatekeeping, or bias, and may conflict with open science principles. Proponents emphasize its role in ensuring integrity and reducing the spread of misinformation, especially for high-impact or sensitive topics.