Guidance for Fair and Fast Desk Assessment of Submitted Manuscripts During Times of Crisis

What is this about?

This guidance, developed by the PREPARED project, supports ethics committees and journal editors in conducting fair and rapid assessments of research during public health emergencies. It offers practical recommendations to ensure evaluations remain ethical, transparent, and scientifically sound, even under time and resource pressure. The document emphasizes involving qualified assessors, using standardized checklists, and focusing on key ethical and safety issues. It also encourages minimizing bias, promoting consistency, and improving coordination among journals, ethics boards, and funders. By streamlining reviews without compromising standards, the guidance enables timely, trustworthy research dissemination while protecting participants and upholding public trust.

Why is this important?

This guidance is important because it ensures that urgent research during crises, such as pandemics, is reviewed both quickly and ethically. In emergencies, time-sensitive studies must be assessed and published fast—but without compromising scientific integrity or participant protection. The document helps ethics committees and editors make fair, transparent decisions under pressure by offering clear procedures and tools. It reduces the risk of rushed or biased judgments, supports collaboration among institutions, and promotes public trust in crisis-related research. Ultimately, it balances speed with ethical rigor, ensuring that life-saving knowledge can be shared responsibly when it's needed most.

For whom is this important?

Journal editorsResearch Ethics Committees

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