How does Transparent Peer Review affect the anonymity of reviewers?

Impact of Transparent Peer Review on Reviewer Anonymity

Transparent Peer Review (TPR) aims to enhance openness in the scholarly publishing process while maintaining a balance between transparency and reviewer confidentiality. Unlike Traditional Peer Review, where reviewer identities and reports are kept confidential, TPR provides varying levels of visibility based on the journal's policies and author preferences.

Comparison of Reviewer Anonymity in Peer Review Models

How Different Journals Handle Reviewer Anonymity in Transparent Peer Review

• Nature Communications & PLOS Journals: Review reports are published, but reviewer identities remain optional.
• Wiley & BMC Journals: Offer reviewers the choice to sign their reports, ensuring flexibility.
• eLife: Uses a collaborative peer review approach where reviewer identities are often revealed but focus remains on constructive feedback.

Role of Scholar9 and OJSCloud in Supporting Reviewer Anonymity

• Scholar9 and OJSCloud provide customizable Transparent Peer Review workflows, allowing journals to balance transparency with confidentiality.
• These platforms enable reviewers to opt-in or opt-out of revealing their identities while ensuring review reports are published fairly and ethically.

Conclusion

Transparent Peer Review does not eliminate reviewer anonymity but offers flexibility, allowing reviewers to remain anonymous or disclose their identities based on personal choice or journal policy. This approach promotes accountability, fairness, and integrity while addressing potential concerns about bias and reviewer participation.