WHAT IS
PEER REVIEW TERMINOLOGY?

A means to identify and standardize definitions and terminology in peer review practices — at a time when this kind of consistency, particularly for open review, has become increasingly important. A peer review terminology used across publishers enhances transparency and allows the community to better assess and compare practices between journals.

With this goal, STM and NISO established a standard terminology for peer review, bringing greater clarity and consistency in peer review, helping authors, reviewers, editors, and readers to effectively engage in the scholarly process. The terminology was formalized into an ANSI/NISO standard in July of 2023.  A NISO Standing Committee is now promoting its implementation across a wider range of publishers.

A STANDARD TERMINOLOGY FOR PEER REVIEW

The peer review terminology focuses on the external review of journal articles, with potential future expansion to books, preprints, and data. It provides standard definitions for different peer review models, addressing four key elements: identity transparency, reviewer interactions, published review process information, and post-publication commenting. Its aim is to enhance clarity and consistency in peer review, benefiting authors, reviewers, editors, and readers.

Button Icon DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC

DASHBOARD

A growing number of publishers of all shapes and sizes are adopting the Peer Review Terminology. This dashboard offers an overview of a growing body of adopters and where they are in the process. 

LEARN MORE

STANDING COMMITTEE

Meet the drivers behind this initiative from our Standing Committee, working collaboratively with a shared mission.

LEARN MORE

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from publishers who have adopted the Peer Review Terminology and the ways it is advancing peer review processes.

"IOPP was super excited to be one of the first publishers using this new terminology, especially as we now offer more author choice around anonymity in peer review. It's been really easy to implement and we feel confident this terminology helps our stakeholders be clear about what we do."
Kim Eggleton, IOPP
Elsevier journals and the Aries submission system platform were among the early adopters of the peer review terminology. Although change is never easy, everyone understands the need for inclusive and clear terminology to describe the journal peer review process, which has made implementation much easier
Bahar Mehmani, Elsevier

GET STARTED

Jump in. Join this growing number of publishers adopting the Peer Review Terminology — those committed to accelerating the dissemination of high-quality research.

LEARN MORE