Definition · Plain-language
bioRxiv
bioRxiv (pronounced 'bio-archive') is a free online archive and distribution service for unpublished preprints in the life sciences. Launched in 2013 by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, it enables biologists to share research findings immediately before submitting them to peer-reviewed journals.
The step most authors miss
Doing CRediT right? Don’t stop at the statement.
A CRediT statement credits you inside one paper. The recognition CRediT was built for happens when those roles are tied to you, persistently. Sign in with your ORCID — free — and claim your CRediT contributions on casrai.org, the home of the standard. They become a verified, portable part of your identity, not a line that disappears into one PDF.
Free: claim your contributions, then export a journal-ready CRediT statement, schema.org structured data, JATS XML, CSV or BibTeX — and preview your public profile. A membership publishes that profile publicly and verifies the journals you serve.
The Screening and Moderation Workflow
Because bioRxiv covers biological and medical sciences, it employs a rigorous two-step screening process. First, internal screening staff check submissions for formatting, plagiarism, and appropriate content. Second, independent PhD-level affiliate scientists review the manuscripts to ensure the science is genuine and to screen for bio-safety risks, dual-use research concerns, or claims that could cause public health panic.
Direct Submission to Journals (B2J)
bioRxiv streamlines the publishing pipeline through its 'bioRxiv-to-Journal' (B2J) and 'Journal-to-bioRxiv' systems. Authors can transfer their manuscript files and submission metadata directly from bioRxiv to dozens of participating journals, eliminating the need to re-upload files. Similarly, journals can transmit rejected or transferred papers directly to bioRxiv with the author's permission.
Impact on Biomedical Research and Communication
Since its launch, bioRxiv has transformed biomedical communication. It has accelerated the sharing of critical data during global health crises and integrated with post-publication peer review platforms. Major funding bodies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Wellcome Trust, now explicitly allow and encourage researchers to cite bioRxiv preprints in grant applications and progress reports.
Key facts
At a glance
- bioRxiv is a dedicated preprint repository for the biological sciences, launched in 2013.
- It is operated by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a prestigious non-profit research institution.
- Submissions undergo screening for plagiarism, ethical compliance, and bio-safety before posting.
- The platform is free to read and free to publish, supporting open-science principles.
- Authors retain copyright and choose from several Creative Commons licensing options for their papers.
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: bioRxiv accepts clinical research papers reporting trials on human subjects.
Actually: To prevent unverified medical findings from harming patients, clinical research and trials must be submitted to medRxiv, bioRxiv's sister site.
Often heard: Posting a paper on bioRxiv is considered prior publication, making it ineligible for journals.
Actually: Most biology journals do not count preprints as prior publications and actively support or facilitate submission directly from bioRxiv.
Often heard: Preprints on bioRxiv are permanently fixed and cannot be edited.
Actually: Authors can upload revised versions of their manuscript at any time before it is accepted by a journal, and all versions remain accessible to show development.
