Which journals currently use transparent peer review, and what are their policies?

Transparent peer review enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of academic publishing by making the peer review process open and accessible. Several journals and publishers have adopted this approach, each implementing specific policies to promote transparency. Here are some notable examples:

1. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Journals

• Policy: Authors can opt for transparent peer review, where the editor’s decision letter, reviewers’ comments, and authors’ responses for all versions of the manuscript are published alongside the article under a Creative Commons license (CC-BY). Royal Society of Chemistry

2. SAGE Publications

• Journals Offering Transparent Peer Review:
• Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science
• Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics
• Neuroscience Insights
• Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment
• Cancer Control
• European Journal of Personality
• International Journal of Qualitative Methods
• Policy: These journals publish the complete peer review history, including reviewer reports, editor decision letters, and author responses, alongside the final article.

3. IOP Publishing

• Scope: All open access journals under IOP Publishing have implemented transparent peer review.
• Policy: The full peer review history—comprising reviewer reports, editor decision letters, and authors’ responses—is published alongside the article. IOP Publishing

4. Biology Open (BiO)

• Policy: Authors can opt-in to publish a peer review history file alongside their article, which includes all correspondence during the review process. This applies to research papers submitted on or after January 18, 2025.

5. Review Commons

• Policy: As of June 1, 2022, peer reviews and authors' responses are publicly posted on bioRxiv or medRxiv when authors transfer their refereed preprint to the first affiliate journal.

6. Frontiers for Young Minds

• Unique Approach: This innovative journal involves young reviewers, typically children, in the peer review process. Senior researchers, including Nobel Prize winners, submit articles that are then reviewed for clarity and engagement by young reviewers, making science accessible to a broader audience. The Times

7. Nature

• Policy: Authors have the option to publish peer review reports alongside their articles. In 2021, nearly half of the authors chose this option, reflecting a growing trend toward transparency.

8. European Geosciences Union (EGU) Journals

• Policy: EGU journals conduct public discussions where open peer review is carried out before articles are accepted for publication, fostering transparency and community engagement.

Implementing transparent peer review can enhance a journal's credibility, attract high-quality submissions, and foster a culture of openness and trust in scientific communication. Platforms like Scholar9 and OJSCloud offer tools and support for journals aiming to adopt transparent peer review practices, ensuring a seamless transition to more open and ethical publishing standards.