Preprint ban in grant applications deemed ‘plain ludicrous’ Australia’s major research funder has ruled more than 20 fellowship applications ineligible because they mentioned preprints and other non-peer reviewed materials. The decision sparked an outcry from scientists, who say the move is a blow to open science and will stymie careers. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the use of preprints to the fore, researchers say the Australian Research Council’s stance is out of step with modern publishing practices and at odds with that of other funding agencies. The Australian Research Council’s decision to reject early career funding applications that mention preprints is hopelessly outdated, say scientists. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02318-8 Quite strange. It is a unwelcome move. It will discourage scientific research. Requires to be relooked. With regards -- hrmohan -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.