ResearchBack — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about our two core ideas: selling the materials behind your research and getting paid to peer review — plus buyers, claims, compliance, and payments.
Sell the Materials Behind Your Papers
What can I sell on ResearchBack?
Datasets, code, simulations, circuit designs, analysis scripts, models, experimental data, annotated notebooks, teaching packs, and methods/protocols — as long as you have the rights to distribute them.
How do I start selling?
Create your account, set up your vendor profile, and add products linked to your paper(s).
Can I link my upload to a DOI or publisher page?
Yes. Include the DOI, citation, or publisher URL in your product description/fields so buyers can verify provenance.
Can I upload the full text of my article?
No, unless the license explicitly allows redistribution (e.g., certain Creative Commons licenses). ResearchBack focuses on the materials behind the paper, not the paywalled PDF.
Tips to make your listing clear
Provide a README, sample screenshots, version info, a file tree, dependencies, expected outputs, and a usage license/terms.
Paid Peer Review
How does paid peer review work?
Qualified reviewers evaluate submissions with a structured form. Each completed review is compensated under our reviewer payment model. Invitations and timelines appear in your dashboard.
Who can become a reviewer?
Academics with domain expertise and a peer-reviewed track record (e.g., PhD or equivalent + publications). Include ORCID/Google Scholar/Scopus when you apply.
Is the process transparent?
Yes. We emphasize clear criteria, conflict-of-interest declarations, and auditable timelines to uphold academic quality and fairness.
How long does a review take?
It varies by field and complexity. Each invitation includes an expected review window; your dashboard shows due dates and status.
Buyers & Orders
How do I find materials?
Use search or browse by discipline. Filter by material type (dataset, code, simulation, etc.) and read the documentation before purchasing.
Can I buy multiple items at once?
Yes — add items to your cart and complete one checkout. Downloads unlock once payment is confirmed.
Where are my downloads?
Go to My Account → Downloads to access or re-download your purchases.
Claim Your Research Page
ResearchBack listed my paper — how do I claim it?
Submit a claim with the paper’s page URL plus proof (institutional email, ORCID link, publisher page, or co-author confirmation). After verification, you’ll get author access to update the page and add materials.
Can multiple co-authors manage the same page?
Yes. We can assign shared access. Include co-authors’ verified emails in your claim.
Legality & Compliance
Is it legal to sell my research materials?
Yes — if you’re the rights holder or have permission. You’re responsible for respecting publisher contracts, institutional policies, licenses, and third-party IP.
Can I show a paper’s title/authors/abstract in my product?
Public metadata (title, authors, abstract, DOI) is fine as preview/context. Do not upload restricted full-text PDFs unless the license explicitly allows redistribution.
What content is prohibited?
Plagiarized or unauthorized copyrighted material, offensive/non-academic content, and anything violating academic integrity, privacy, or legal restrictions.
Payments & Security
How do sellers get paid?
Set payout details in your dashboard. After successful purchases and checks, your balance is released per the payout schedule.
What do buyers pay with?
Major cards and other secure online methods supported by our payment processor.
Is my content protected?
Files are stored securely and unlocked only for authorized buyers. Use clear licensing to define permitted use.
Refunds for digital items?
Digital products are generally non-refundable. If a technical issue prevents access/usability, contact support for help.
Helpful Links
