Preprints in Fiction: How Sci-Fi Writers Could Use Open Research to Build More Realistic Worlds

In the ever-expanding universe of speculative fiction, writers have long relied on imagination, creativity, and the occasional leap of faith to craft worlds that push the boundaries of possibility. From artificial intelligence to space travel, dystopian societies to futuristic technologies, science fiction (sci-fi) is driven by the exploration of “what if?” But what if the writers of tomorrow no longer had to rely solely on their imagination? What if they could dive into the ever-growing ocean of open, real-world research—untethered by the constraints of peer review delays, proprietary databases, or paywalled journals?

Preprints, the burgeoning force within the world of scientific research, could be the key to making science fiction feel less like fiction and more like near-future fact. Preprints—early versions of research papers made freely available before peer review—offer an unfiltered, real-time look at the cutting-edge developments in science and technology. For sci-fi writers, this represents a treasure trove of ideas, concepts, and innovations waiting to be woven into the tapestry of their next big story.

Let’s consider the immense potential that preprints hold for writers of speculative fiction. Historically, sci-fi authors have had to extrapolate from existing knowledge to build worlds that are both fascinating and scientifically plausible. The more accurate their research, the more convincing the fictional world they create. But with preprints now offering access to the latest findings from the world’s brightest minds, writers can tap directly into the pulse of scientific progress. Instead of imagining the next big scientific breakthrough, they can simply observe it as it’s unfolding in the real world.

Imagine a sci-fi writer trying to create a world where advanced quantum computers revolutionize the way we understand the universe. Rather than sifting through countless textbooks or outdated scientific papers, they could browse preprints on quantum computing that explore the bleeding edge of research. A writer can access detailed, experimental data on qubit stability, error rates, and even applications of quantum systems that are still in the lab phase. This could form the basis for their story, infusing their world-building with the most current, scientifically grounded insights, and providing readers with a more plausible vision of what’s to come.

Moreover, preprints could help writers explore speculative ideas with more nuance and authenticity. Take, for instance, the exploration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. While these fields are rife with potential storylines—from AI rebellions to sentient robots—understanding the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding AI can make a story more engaging and grounded. By reading preprints on neural networks, AI ethics, or natural language processing, writers can not only stay up to date with the field but also ensure their portrayal of AI reflects current thinking, debates, and innovations.

And let’s not forget about biology. Writers looking to craft worlds where bioengineering is commonplace can access preprints discussing CRISPR technologies, gene editing, and synthetic biology. Preprints would give them the latest breakthroughs on gene therapies, human enhancement, and the ethical challenges posed by these technologies. Sci-fi writers could explore futuristic worlds where humanity pushes the boundaries of life itself, all grounded in the advancements unfolding in real laboratories today.

But with great power comes great responsibility. While preprints offer immediate access to cutting-edge research, they also come with a level of uncertainty. As these papers have not undergone peer review, there may be inaccuracies or speculative elements in the research. A writer diving into this pool of raw, unverified data must exercise discernment. A great deal of the joy in writing science fiction is in the play of imagination, but it’s also in the art of questioning what’s real and what’s possible. Writers must be critical, mindful of the fact that not all preprints will turn out to be as groundbreaking as they initially appear.

Still, the potential of preprints for world-building is undeniable. They allow for deeper immersion into the realms of possibility. Sci-fi writers no longer have to wait for the scientific community to catch up to their ideas. Instead, they can leverage real-time, open research to ensure that their fictional worlds are more than just imaginative—they are believable, scientifically relevant, and even prophetic. The future of science fiction may very well be shaped by the discoveries that scientists upload to preprint servers today.

In many ways, this access to open research transforms the relationship between science fiction and real science. In the past, sci-fi authors were often ahead of their time, imagining technologies that weren’t yet possible. Today, however, they have the opportunity to create worlds based on the very technologies that scientists are working to develop. The line between imagination and reality is becoming more fluid, and preprints are helping to blur that line even further.

This new paradigm could spark a revolution not only in the way that sci-fi writers approach their craft but in the way that we, as readers, engage with fiction. As we see the latest research transforming into the most fantastical plot twists, we might start to look at the world around us in a different light, questioning whether the impossible is truly out of reach—or simply waiting to be discovered. Writers no longer need to dream of the future—they can now pull pieces of it from the present and shape it into the stories of tomorrow.