What journals use Transparent Peer Review, and how do they compare to those using Traditional Peer Review?

​Transparent Peer Review (TPR) is an emerging model in scholarly publishing where the peer review process is openly accessible, enhancing transparency and accountability. This approach contrasts with Traditional Peer Review, which typically keeps reviewer reports confidential.​

Journals Implementing Transparent Peer Review:

Several reputable journals and publishers have adopted TPR to promote openness in the peer review process:

• Nature Communications: Since 2016, this journal has offered authors the option to publish peer review reports alongside their articles. ​wiley.com
• PLOS Journals: The Public Library of Science (PLOS) journals, including PLOS ONE, provide TPR by publishing peer review histories with accepted manuscripts. ​
• Wiley Journals: In 2018, Wiley launched a pilot program for TPR with the journal Clinical Genetics, allowing authors to choose to publish peer review reports, their responses, and editorial decisions. ​wiley.com
• BioMed Central (BMC) Journals: BMC has implemented TPR across various journals, publishing reviewer reports, author responses, and editorial decisions alongside articles. ​wiley.com+1wiley.com+1

Comparative Experiences and Outcomes:

The shift from Traditional to Transparent Peer Review has led to notable differences in the publishing process:

• Reviewer Participation: Studies indicate that implementing TPR does not significantly affect reviewer participation rates. For instance, journals like Nature Communications, eLife, and The EMBO Journal observed little to no change in reviewer engagement after adopting TPR. ​PLOS Blog
• Review Quality and Accountability: TPR enhances the quality of reviews by making reviewers' comments publicly available, fostering a sense of responsibility and thoroughness. This openness can lead to more constructive and unbiased feedback. ​
• Author and Reader Benefits: Authors receive detailed feedback that is accessible to readers, promoting trust in the research process. Readers can assess the robustness of the peer review, enhancing the credibility of published work. ​blog.oup.com
• Implementation Challenges: Transitioning to TPR requires careful planning, including clear guidelines for reviewers and authors. Publishers must address potential concerns about reviewer anonymity and the additional workload associated with publishing review reports. ​blogs.biomedcentral.com

Role of Scholar9 and OJSCloud in Supporting Transparent Peer Review:

Platforms like Scholar9 and OJSCloud facilitate the adoption of TPR by providing integrated solutions for managing and publishing peer review content. They offer customizable workflows that accommodate various levels of transparency, ensuring a seamless transition from traditional models to more open practices.​

By leveraging these platforms, journals can efficiently implement TPR, enhancing ethical standards and fostering greater trust in academic publishing.​

In summary, Transparent Peer Review offers a more open and accountable alternative to Traditional Peer Review, with several prominent journals successfully adopting this model. While challenges exist, the benefits to authors, reviewers, and readers make TPR a valuable approach in modern scholarly communication.