Online First: Opportunities for Authors of Scientific Articles
In the competitive world of scientific publishing, where capturing the reader’s attention is increasingly challenging, the Online First format offers researchers a unique opportunity to make their findings available as quickly as possible.
What is Online First?
This is the publication of an article online before its official inclusion in a journal issue. Such an article has already undergone peer review, proofreading, and final approval by the editorial board. The only thing it awaits is its place in a specific issue. However, its value to the scientific community becomes accessible immediately.
Why does it matter?
Time is a critical factor in science. The sooner your article becomes available to colleagues, the sooner it can be read, cited, and used in further research. This is particularly important in rapidly developing fields such as biotechnology, information technology, or medicine, where the relevance of data is paramount.
The Online First format offers authors:
1. Rapid dissemination of knowledge. After final approval, your article is almost immediately made available online, eliminating the long wait for an issue to be published.
2. Citations from day one. Each article is assigned a unique DOI (Digital Object Identifier), allowing colleagues to cite your work as soon as it is published.
3. Maintaining a professional reputation. Rapid publication confirms your activity in the scientific community and demonstrates your engagement with current research.
4. Keeping the scientific community updated. Your findings become accessible as quickly as possible, enabling other researchers to integrate them into their work and accelerate progress in the field.
5. Global visibility. Even before the article is included in an issue, Online First articles are accessible through libraries, search engines, and scientific publishing platforms, increasing their audience reach.
What should you keep in mind?
Limited ability to make corrections after publication. While it is technically possible to publish errata, errors may negatively affect your reputation. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the text before final submission.
Long-term visibility. Even if the article is available in the Online First format, keep track of its citations after its official inclusion in an issue.
How to maximize the benefits of Online First?
Share the DOI link to your article on your profiles (ResearchGate, ORCID, etc.).
Promote your publication on social media and in specialized scientific communities.
Notify colleagues who might find your work relevant or useful.
Online First is a tool that allows your ideas to resonate with the scientific community faster. Use it to ensure your voice is heard today.