How does transparent peer review affect reviewers?

Transparent peer review brings changes to how reviewers provide feedback, affecting anonymity, accountability, and workload. Below is a structured breakdown:

1. Key Changes for Reviewers

1. Visibility of Review Reports

• Review comments, author responses, and editorial decisions are publicly available.
• Transparency allows others to learn from the peer review process.

1. Reviewer Identity Disclosure

• Some journals keep reviewers anonymous while still publishing their comments.
• Others require named reviews, making reviewer identities public.
• Example: Nature Communications allows anonymity, while eLife encourages named reviews.

1. Impact on Feedback Style

• Reviewers may write more carefully structured and professional feedback, knowing it will be visible.
• The likelihood of unfair or biased reviews decreases due to public accountability.

2. Benefits of Transparent Peer Review for Reviewers

1. Recognition for Reviewing Efforts

• Some journals publicly acknowledge reviewers, helping them build an academic reputation.

1. Increased Accountability and Ethical Standards

• Transparency discourages biased or unprofessional reviews.

1. Learning and Professional Development

• Reviewers can read published reports from peers and improve their own reviewing skills.

1. Integration with Researcher Platforms

• Platforms like Scholar9 help reviewers manage transparent peer reviews and track their contributions.

3. Potential Challenges for Reviewers

1. Hesitancy in Providing Critical Feedback

• Some reviewers may be reluctant to give strong criticism if their comments are public.

1. Increased Time Commitment

• Reviewers may spend more time refining their feedback, knowing it will be visible to readers.

1. Privacy and Professional Risks

• If identities are disclosed, reviewers may face pressure or conflicts with authors.

4. Platforms Supporting Transparent Peer Review for Reviewers

1. OJSCloud – Provides flexible peer review workflows, allowing journals to choose between anonymous or named reviews.
2. Scholar9 – Helps reviewers manage their transparent peer review activities and receive recognition for their contributions.
3. Publons & ORCID – Some journals integrate with these platforms to credit reviewers for their work.

5. How to Adapt as a Reviewer?

1. Check the Journal’s Policy – Understand whether your identity will be disclosed and how review reports will be shared.
2. Write Balanced and Professional Reviews – Ensure critiques are clear, constructive, and well-reasoned.
3. Leverage Reviewer Recognition – If transparency benefits your career, use platforms like Scholar9 to showcase your reviewing contributions.

Key Takeaway

• Transparent peer review increases accountability and quality but may require more thoughtful feedback.
• Reviewers may or may not remain anonymous, depending on journal policies.
• Platforms like OJSCloud and Scholar9 support transparent review workflows and reviewer recognition.