The European Journal of Higher Education (EJHE), published by Taylor & Francis, has released the results of a two-year pilot aimed at enhancing transparency in the peer review process. The findings reveal widespread support from both authors and reviewers for the journal’s transparent peer review (TPR) model, which publishes the full text of anonymous peer review reports alongside each article accepted for publication.
Launched in April 2023, the initiative made EJHE the first higher education journal to adopt TPR. Editors introduced the model to highlight the rigor of peer review and provide readers with clearer insight into editorial decision-making.
A survey of authors and reviewers with experience of the TPR model has now been released, presenting findings from the first two years of the trial.
Survey findings show that authors rated the process highly, with 40% saying the journal’s peer review was better than their previous experiences and only 2% saying it was worse.
Respondents valued the constructive feedback received, which they said improved their papers. Reviewers expressed little concern about transparency affecting candor, with 86% indicating that publishing reports did not change their approach.
The model also appeared to influence future submissions: 73% of authors said they were very likely to submit again. While most reviewers said the system would not affect their willingness to contribute, a notable proportion indicated they would actively choose to review for the journal because of the transparent process.
The full survey results report, published by Taylor & Francis, provides additional insights into reviewer anonymity preferences and shifts in perception before and after engaging with the model.
The publisher noted the outcomes will inform future transparency initiatives across its journals.
Click here to read the original press release.
