Nature, a leading international scientific journal published by Springer Nature, has made transparent peer review (TPR) a standard for all newly submitted primary research articles selected for publication. The policy shift, which builds on the journal’s prior opt-in model introduced in 2020, marks a formal transition to universal TPR following a successful trial.
Under this model, peer review reports and corresponding author responses will be made openly accessible alongside the published article. The identities of reviewers will remain anonymous unless they choose to disclose their names. The initiative is part of a broader commitment to the principles of open science and aims to provide increased visibility into the peer evaluation process, particularly benefiting early-career researchers seeking greater clarity on editorial decision-making.
TPR at Nature is intended to enhance understanding of how manuscripts evolve through reviewer feedback and editorial guidance. By making these peer review discussions available, the journal supports knowledge exchange and promotes greater trust in the research publication process.
The move aligns with a broader set of open peer review practices implemented across the Nature Portfolio and reflects the publisher’s continuing emphasis on transparency in scholarly communication. Springer Nature has progressively expanded such practices since 1999, beginning with BMC’s initiative to publish reviewer names and pre-publication histories. Nature Communications adopted TPR as an option in 2016 and mandated it for all direct submissions starting in 2022.
Currently, over one-third of Springer Nature’s journal portfolio incorporates increased peer review transparency and early-stage sharing through its In Review platform. Many titles, including Nature, also provide reviewer recognition statements that allow reviewers to be named if they choose to be identified.
This latest development reinforces Springer Nature’s broader strategy to embed transparency and openness across its publishing ecosystem, advancing the accessibility, trustworthiness, and collaborative potential of scientific knowledge.
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