Nature expands Registered Reports to all research disciplines

Nature has announced guidelines that significantly expand the scope of its Registered Reports publishing format, opening it to all research disciplines covered by the journal and broadening the types of studies eligible for submission.

Previously, Registered Reports were limited to confirmatory research in cognitive neuroscience and the behavioural and social sciences. Under the new policy, Nature will now consider Registered Reports across its entire portfolio, including studies focused on large-scale data collection, methodological comparisons and other forms of research beyond traditional hypothesis testing.

The move follows the publication of Nature’s first completed Registered Report, a study led by social psychologist William Brady that examined how social-media algorithms influence users’ perceptions during the 2024 US presidential election.

Registered Reports require researchers to submit their study rationale, methodology and analysis plans for peer review before data collection begins. If reviewers and editors determine that the research question is important and the proposed methods are robust, the journal commits to publishing the study regardless of the eventual findings.

Nature said the approach strengthens research quality by allowing reviewers to contribute to study design at an early stage, rather than evaluating work only after results are obtained. The format also helps address publication bias by ensuring that negative or inconclusive findings are published.

Brady described the decision to use the format as a “no-brainer”, noting that his team’s project involved manipulating the feeds of 2,000 users on the social-media platform Bluesky over eight weeks. The publication commitment provided confidence to invest substantial time and resources in the work.

The study confirmed that engagement-focused algorithms amplify moralised, emotional, toxic and political content. However, researchers also found ways to reduce users’ exposure to divisive material without reducing their enjoyment of the platform.

Nature said the expanded policy reflects its belief that rigorous planning, transparent methods and publication irrespective of outcome can improve research quality across all fields.