On the occasion of Peer Review Week, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our reviewers. Your dedication remains invaluable to the integrity and quality of the scientific record.

This year, Peer Review Week shines a spotlight on “Innovation and Technology in Peer Review.” The theme aims to explore how technology is shaping the peer review process, enhancing efficiency while maintaining rigorous standards. From automated systems for detecting plagiarism to AI-assisted tools that streamline the review process, technology has the potential to revolutionise scholarly publishing. However, with innovation comes the need for a balance: maintaining human oversight and ethical scrutiny. EDP Sciences embraces this opportunity to contribute to ongoing discussions, ensuring that technological advancements serve to enhance—rather than compromise—the quality, fairness, and transparency of peer review.

Advancing Peer Review with Peer Community In (PCI)

Our partnership with Peer Community In (PCI) continues to exemplify how technology can support transparency and openness in peer review. Several of our journals, including Mathematical Modelling of Natural Phenomena, International Journal of Limnology, Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids, and Aquatic Living Resources have been designated as “PCI-friendly.” These journals now feature a Peer Review Statement for articles recommended by PCI, with bi-directional links on both journal and PCI platforms. This integration allows for seamless navigation and enhanced accessibility, demonstrating our commitment to utilising technology to foster quality peer review.

Ethical Standards in AI-driven Peer Review

EDP Sciences remains committed to upholding the highest ethical standards, particularly in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in publishing. In line with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, we recognise that while AI tools can improve efficiency, human judgment is irreplaceable in ethical scrutiny and detailed assessments. Our stance ensures that innovation in peer review does not come at the expense of scholarly integrity.

For example, in response to concerns about AI-generated submissions, our updated AI policy empowers editors to reject any article that appears to be AI-generated—whether flagged by AI detection software or exhibiting typical characteristics such as lack of original insights or an unnatural tone.

Read more on our AI policy.

Collaboration on Research Integrity Initiatives

In the spirit of innovation, EDP Sciences is actively collaborating with the STM Association and Cactus Communications on research integrity tools aimed at combating paper mills. Our editorial team continues to contribute to testing these tools, which incorporate technology to detect unethical behaviour in submissions, reaffirming our shared commitment to safeguarding the academic publishing process.

Open Science and Technology

Our Open Science page, reflects our ongoing efforts to integrate technology with open science practices. This comprehensive platform promotes transparency and collaboration, demonstrating how innovation can enhance the accessibility and dissemination of research while upholding rigorous standards.

Nurturing Future Leaders in Publishing

Innovation is not just about technology but also about cultivating the next generation of publishing professionals who are adept in both traditional and technological approaches to peer review. EDP Sciences continues to champion educational initiatives designed to provide young researchers with the skills they need to navigate the evolving landscape of academic publishing.

In collaboration with Astronomy & Astrophysics, we organise the Scientific Writing for Young Astronomers (SWYA) School, which educates young scholars not only in the craft of scientific writing but also in the ethics and intricacies of peer review. Similarly, our Science Publishing Masterclasses, facilitated by our online submission and peer review system NESTOR, prepare early career researchers for the future of publishing. Participants gain hands-on experience, learning how to evaluate manuscripts critically while understanding how technology supports, but does not replace, ethical judgment.

Our journal Emergent Scientist provides another platform where young scientists engage in the full publishing cycle, from authorship to peer review. The experience helps participants build the skills necessary to review manuscripts rigorously and responsibly, laying the groundwork for a future generation of ethical and knowledgeable reviewers.

Concluding Remarks

Anne Ruimy, Journals Publishing Director at EDP Sciences, comments: “Peer Review Week continues to be an invaluable occasion to reflect on the importance of peer review in publishing. This year’s theme reminds us of the role that innovation and technology play in evolving this crucial process, while reaffirming the need for human oversight and ethical responsibility. On behalf of EDP Sciences, I extend my deepest thanks to our peer reviewers, whose contributions are fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the academic record.”

Peer Review Week 2024 invites the academic community to engage in these vital conversations, and EDP Sciences is proud to participate in the discussions.