Research priority

An attestation can contribute to a research-priority record by preserving the digest of a precisely defined artifact or dataset snapshot. It does not by itself prove that the researcher authored the work, that no earlier copy existed, or that the timestamp is globally authoritative.

Record a snapshot

1. Freeze the exact bytes of the manuscript, dataset snapshot, code archive, or other research object.
2. Record its format, encoding, and any relevant manifest or version identifier.
3. Submit the frozen file:

witness attest --file research-snapshot.zip --save priority-job.json

1. Poll with witness status <hash> and, after confirmation, extract and verify the signed attestation.
2. Preserve the snapshot, digest, confirmed response, signed attestation, and reviewed verification configuration in the research record.

Caveats

The hash commits to bytes only. It does not establish identity, authorship, novelty, consent, scientific validity, or priority against systems you did not query. A predictable public dataset may be reconstructed from its hash, and gateway operators can see network metadata. Check institutional, publisher, and funding requirements separately.