Abstract

PICKERING, Robyn  and  KGOTLENG, Dipuo W.. Preprints, press releases and fossils in space: What is happening in South African human evolution research?. S. Afr. j. sci. [online]. 2024, vol.120, n.3-4, pp.1-3. ISSN 1996-7489.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2024/17473.

SIGNIFICANCE: Uploading unreviewed manuscripts to a preprint server promotes accessibility and facilitates rapid breakthroughs. We, however, question the motivation of Berger and colleagues who used the new eLife publishing model to launch what appeared to be a carefully curated media campaign around an unreviewed narrative, thereby manipulating accepted norms in scientific publishing. This team has engaged in ostentatious public displays under the guise of promoting science, including launching precious fossil remains into space. Given these ethical concerns, we call on the public, heritage and scientific practitioners to reflect on the current state, and future, of human evolution research.

Keywords : preprints; human evolution; Homo naledi; hominin fossils; ethical publishing.

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