Preprints and Grant Applications: What Funders Accept in 2026
Reading time - 7 minutes
Introduction
Preprints are now firmly embedded in the research ecosystem, but many researchers remain uncertain about their role in grant applications. While some funders actively encourage preprints, others impose conditions on how they can be cited or evaluated.
As funding policies evolve, understanding how preprints are treated in 2026 grant evaluations is essential for competitive applications. This article explains current funder attitudes, best practices, and common mistakes researchers should avoid.
Why Funders Pay Attention to Preprints
Funders recognize that preprints:
- Demonstrate productivity before journal publication
- Enable rapid dissemination of findings
- Support open science principles
- Provide evidence of ongoing research activity
Preprints help reviewers assess momentum, not just outcomes.
How Major Funders View Preprints
Most major funding bodies:
- Allow preprints to be listed in CVs and outputs
- Require clear labeling as non‑peer‑reviewed
- Evaluate them as supporting evidence, not final validation
Transparency is the key requirement.
Where Preprints Can Be Included
Preprints are commonly accepted in:
- CV and publication lists
- Progress reports
- Preliminary results sections
They should not be presented as peer‑reviewed articles.
How Grant Reviewers Interpret Preprints
Reviewers typically assess:
- Relevance to the proposal
- Methodological soundness
- Consistency with proposed work
They understand the provisional nature of preprints.
Best Practices for Using Preprints in Grants
Researchers should:
- Clearly label preprints
- Link to persistent identifiers
- Align preprints with proposal aims
- Avoid overstating conclusions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Listing preprints as accepted papers
- Hiding peer‑review status
- Overloading applications with marginal preprints
Conclusion
In 2026, preprints are widely accepted in grant applications when used transparently and strategically. They strengthen proposals by showcasing progress and openness, but only when presented honestly and responsibly.