Evaluating Registered Reports Funding Partnerships: a feasibility study

Background: We studied a novel initiative – Registered Reports Funding Partnerships (RRFPs) – whereby research funders and journals partner in order to integrate their procedures for funding applications and Registered Reports submissions into one process. We investigated the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the impact of RRFPs on (1) research quality and (2) the efficiency of the research process, from funding to publication. Methods: : We conducted 32 semi-structured interviews and follow-up questionnaires with stakeholders (funders, editors, authors, and reviewers) across six different RRFPs. Results: : A RCT of RRFPs appears to be feasible in principle. The partnership concept seems worthwhile to pursue further and is adaptable to the needs of various funders and publishers, and across disciplines. Three primary outcomes of interest should be measurable, and participant randomisation could conceivably be done in a number of ways. In practice, however, the current volume of submissions going through existing partnerships is too low to support a full trial.   Conclusions: : Although a RCT of RRFPs is conceptually feasible, it will only be possible if organisations are willing to form new partnerships, scale up existing ones, and incorporate a trial (i.e., randomisation) into these partnerships.