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Endorsements

Endorsements are public signals of support for a preprint from recognized community members.

What is an Endorsement?​

An endorsement indicates that a qualified researcher vouches for the quality and significance of a preprint. Unlike anonymous peer review, endorsements are public and linked to the endorser's identity.

Endorsement Types​

Personal Endorsement​

An individual researcher endorses a preprint based on their expertise. The endorser's profile and credentials are visible.

Organizational Endorsement​

An organization (e.g., research group, journal) endorses a preprint. Organizational endorsements require authorized representatives.

Endorsement Levels​

LevelMeaning
ReadEndorser has read the preprint
VerifiedEndorser has verified key claims or methods
RecommendedEndorser recommends the preprint to colleagues

Giving an Endorsement​

  1. Open the preprint you want to endorse
  2. Click "Endorse" in the sidebar
  3. Select your endorsement level
  4. Optionally add a brief statement
  5. Submit

Endorsements are recorded in your PDS and displayed on the preprint page.

Viewing Endorsements​

Endorsements appear on:

  • The preprint detail page (sidebar)
  • Search results (endorsement count)
  • Author profiles (endorsements given)

Endorser Eligibility​

Anyone with an AT Protocol account can endorse preprints. However, endorsements from established researchers carry more weight in search rankings.

Factors that increase endorsement visibility:

  • Account age
  • Number of authored preprints
  • Verification status (e.g., ORCID linked)
  • Previous endorsement history

Withdrawing Endorsements​

You can withdraw an endorsement at any time:

  1. Open the preprint
  2. Click "Your Endorsement"
  3. Click "Withdraw"

Withdrawn endorsements are removed from display but remain in the historical record.

Endorsement Ethics​

Do​

  • Endorse work you have actually read
  • Declare any relationships with authors
  • Base endorsements on scientific merit

Do Not​

  • Endorse in exchange for reciprocal endorsements
  • Endorse work outside your expertise without disclosure
  • Use endorsements for self-promotion