AI Generated Image
Why paying peer reviewers works, according to a journal’s editor-in-chief
Nature • • health
Key Points:
- Biology Open journal launched the Fast & Fair peer review scheme in July 2024, paying reviewers £220 (US$290) for submitting high-quality reports within four working days, aiming to speed up the peer review process.
- The 18-month trial showed significant improvements, reducing average first editorial decision time from nearly 38 days to 5.5 days, while also enhancing review quality as assessed by editors.
- Reviewers are pre-contracted and must accept or decline review invitations within one business day, with payment contingent on meeting deadlines and producing useful reviews, ensuring both speed and rigor.
- The journal currently has 500 vetted reviewers worldwide and plans to implement a manuscript-reviewing test for future reviewer selection to maintain quality standards.
- Funded by The Company of Biologists, a non-profit publisher, the program is approved through 2026, with ongoing evaluations determining its continuation beyond that date.
