Critical evaluation of the current state preregistration in animal research

Recent studies demonstrate that an important number of preclinical animal studies is never published and that the translation of results into clinical research is low. Ensuring a maximal gain of knowledge from each performed animal experiment represents not only an ethical duty but could also accelerate the scientific progress in biomedicine. Preregistration can effectively improve the quality of research. By registering a time-stamped study plan before performing experiments, the research process becomes transparent. Thoroughly planned studies, a clear distinction between planned and unplanned statistical analyses as well as reporting of all experiments conducted can further improve the credibility of outcomes. Preregistration is mandatory for most clinical trials and widely accepted in other disciplines. However, in animal based research it remains marginal although three registries already actively encourage the preregistration of animal research, i.e. preclinicaltrials.eu, open science framework registry and animalstudyregistry.org. In the outlined talk, we will present the most recent numbers of preregistration in animal research, critically evaluate the effectivity of preregistration in animal research and discuss current barriers and limitations. Although the numbers of preregistrations in animal research are rising, the uptake stays behind expectations. Many researchers are still not aware of the possibility to preregister there work. Furthermore, surveys show that researchers are hesitant about the additional work and fear the early transparency towards animal rights activists as well as peers. We want to present strategies on how to inform researchers, how to reduce the administrative burden, and how to effectively create incentives to sustainably increase the uptake of preregistration in preclinical research. Recent studies demonstrate that an important number of preclinical animal studies is never published and that the translation of results into clinical research is low. Ensuring a maximal gain of knowledge from each performed animal experiment represents not only an ethical duty but could also accelerate the scientific progress in biomedicine. Preregistration can effectively improve the quality of research. By registering a time-stamped study plan before performing experiments, the research process becomes transparent. Thoroughly planned studies, a clear distinction between planned and unplanned statistical analyses as well as reporting of all experiments conducted can further improve the credibility of outcomes. Preregistration is mandatory for most clinical trials and widely accepted in other disciplines. However, in animal based research it remains marginal although three registries already actively encourage the preregistration of animal research, i.e. preclinicaltrials.eu, open science framework registry and animalstudyregistry.org. In the outlined talk, we will present the most recent numbers of preregistration in animal research, critically evaluate the effectivity of preregistration in animal research and discuss current barriers and limitations. Although the numbers of preregistrations in animal research are rising, the uptake stays behind expectations. Many researchers are still not aware of the possibility to preregister there work. Furthermore, surveys show that researchers are hesitant about the additional work and fear the early transparency towards animal rights activists as well as peers. We want to present strategies on how to inform researchers, how to reduce the administrative burden, and how to effectively create incentives to sustainably increase the uptake of preregistration in preclinical research.