We have made changes to our peer review model, based on feedback from previous authors and reviewers, and input from the Advisory Board. In this blog, we highlight the changes and how it will impact you as an author submitting to Open Research Europe.

What was the previous model and why is it changing?

Previously, Open Research Europe followed an author-led peer review model, whereby authors submitting their work suggested suitable reviewers among the known the experts in their field. However, for some authors, such as early career researchers, identifying appropriate experts could be a challenge.

What is editorial-led peer review?

Moving to an editorial-led peer review model means that Open Research Europe’s in-house editorial team will streamline the author’s submission process by identifying and inviting appropriate reviewers on behalf of authors. However, where this was previously a requirement, it is now optional. The peer review process remains open, with the reviewer’s name and peer review report available to read alongside the article. Authors still have full visibility over who has been contacted to review their papers and can provide suggestions on whom to invite (or alternatively, whom not to approach for review, and why).

The rest of the submission process remains the same. Authors will continue to submit their articles through our single-page submission system and once submitted, the paper will undergo all the usual checks to ensure that Open Research Europe’s policies and ethical guidelines have been adhered to prior to publication. The review process that follows is still post-publication and fully open. This means that peer review occurs once the paper has been published, and all reviewer names, peer review reports and the authors’ responses are published alongside the article, so that readers can benefit from the additional viewpoints and context.

The new peer review model, which is already in effect, will benefit authors by providing:

• Smoother processes for authors. By removing the requirement to recommend peer reviewers, the submission process for Open Research Europe has been simplified. This step was often a challenge for early career researchers or those without extensive connections.
• Faster post-publication review. The editorial-led peer review process significantly speeds up both the time to publication of the article before review (due to not having to wait for suggested peer reviewers to be approved), and the peer review process itself.

For more information on editorial-led peer review and to view the full announcement by F1000, the service provider that operates ORE for the European Commission, click here.