Thanks for writing this! Evaluating work as a preprint is valuable for students since it occurs without the crutch of journal names as a proxy for quality.
I was talking with a friend recently who runs a lab in a country that is not a scientific powerhouse. They were expressing frustration at how few quality papers they are sent for review, since many of those review requests go to investigators in countries with strong science programs. I realized in this conversation that reviewing preprints, either as a journal club or individually, might also help here. Since high impact work is posted to bioRxiv, it provides an opportunity for researchers around the world to evaluate that work.
I often hear PIs expressing frustrating at how many review requests they receive. Preprints provide an opportunity for labs around the world to review work and signal to editors there interest and caliber. Including reviewers who demonstrate their capability as scientists by reviewing preprints might help involve scientists worldwide and reduce the burden on each investigator - a win-win.
