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Registered reports

We believe that taking a collaborative and transparent approach to research improves research quality and reproducibility. It also helps promote a positive research culture. 

Our registered reports pilot

Our registered reports pilot was launched in collaboration with researchers at the University of Bristol and a consortium of 12 journals.

The pilot aims to encourage more researchers to publish the results of their research, regardless of the findings, by streamlining the pathway to submitting a registered report. It also provides the opportunity to receive peer review feedback before a research study begins. 

What are registered reports? 

Registered reports are an alternative method of publishing that emphasises the importance of the research question and the scientific validity and quality of the methodology. They bypass the current incentives structure to publish only highly novel or ‘exciting’ research findings at the end of the research study. 

Registered reports also provide an opportunity for more in-depth reporting of the research methodology. This means that other research groups can harness, replicate and learn from the methods and results for other projects.   

How do registered reports work? 

Registered reports are submitted for peer review in advance of data collection, so methodologies are reviewed and accepted for publication before data is collected and results are generated. Successful submissions are granted In-Principle Acceptance by the journal, which agrees to publish the final manuscript regardless of the results. 

This incentivises studies that are important and informative regardless of the results. They are designed to improve robustness of research by: 

  • obtaining feedback early on when it can still improve the design of the study 

  • providing the opportunity to publish regardless of results 

  • reducing pressure on the authors to obtain ‘publishable’ results, fostering a healthier research culture 

How can I access the pilot? 

Prior to the start of the research study 

Generate a hypothesis, design your study and submit your grant application, opting into our registered reports pilot. 

We’ll review your application and make a funding decision. Note that the funding decision will not be based on participation in this pilot. 

If your funding application is successful, during the interim period before your study starts, you’ll submit your registered report to one of our partner journals for peer review (stage 1). 

If accepted for peer review, the journal of choice provides In-Principle Acceptance, which is an agreement to publish the manuscript. 

During and after the research study 

Collect your data and test your hypotheses. 

You will then analyse your data and generate a manuscript. 

Your manuscript will be peer reviewed by your journal of choice (stage 2 peer review) and the journal will publish the findings. 

Who is eligible and how to apply 

You can opt into our registered reports pilot when you apply to the following funding schemes: 

Biology to Prevention Award 

Early Detection and Diagnosis Primer Award 

Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award 

Prevention and Population Research Project Award 

If your application is successful, you will submit a registered report to your preferred journal for peer review, from one of our 12 partner journals. 

Journal partners 

We're proud to be working with the following journals for our registered reports pilot: 

BMC Medicine

BMC Medicine is a selective open access, transparent peer-reviewed general medical journal.

Cancer Medicine

Cancer Medicine is a peer-reviewed, open access, interdisciplinary journal providing rapid publication of cutting edge research from global biomedical researchers across the cancer sciences.

Cancer Reports

Cancer Reports is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal publishing basic, translational, clinical and interdisciplinary research in cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, supportive care, epidemiology and health disparities.

Clinical Otolaryngology

Clinical Otolaryngology is a bimonthly journal devoted to clinically oriented research papers of the highest scientific standards dealing with: current otorhinolaryngological (ORL) practice, audiology, otology, balance, rhinology, larynx, voice and paediatric ORL, head and neck oncology, head and neck plastic and reconstructive surgery, and continuing medical education and ORL training.

Communications Medicine

Communications Medicine is a selective open access journal publishing high-quality research, reviews and commentary across all clinical, translational, and public health research fields.

Nature Communications

Nature Communications is an open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in all areas of the biological, health, physical, chemical and Earth sciences.

Additional guidance for award holders 

Registered reports funding partnership guidance for award holders

This document provides guidance on how the registered reports pilot works, including detailed information about what you can expect throughout the process. (PDF, 260 KB)

Registered reports funding partnership participating journals - summaries

This document provides a summary on each of our 12 partner journal including their scope, registered reports publication information and where to submit your pre-submission enquiry form. (PDF, 369 KB)

Registered reports funding partnership pre-submission enquiry form

Use this form to submit your information to your preferred journal so they can provide feedback on the suitability of your study for submission of a registered report with them. (DOC, 916 KB)

Stay in touch

Contact us

Reach out to the team on queries relating to registered reports, including how to opt-in.

Email us