Strengthening Scientific Publishing Through Peer Review

ACS Publications is committed to publishing the highest quality research. Our rigorous peer review process ensures thorough evaluation of manuscripts. As reviewers, we value your contributions to research integrity and to the scientific community. We are committed to driving continuous improvement to make sure our peer review process continues to provide a positive experience for reviewers and authors.

As scientific research continues to grow in both volume and complexity, the peer review process faces increasing demands to deliver rigorous, timely, and high-quality evaluations. Balancing the need for rapid publication with the responsibility of maintaining scientific excellence has become a defining challenge for the scholarly publishing community.

This year’s theme for Peer Review Week, Peer Review Capacity: Volume, Speed, and Quality, highlights the critical role reviewers play in ensuring that impactful research is assessed efficiently, fairly, and with the highest standards of integrity. By sharing their expertise, reviewers help strengthen the foundation of scientific publishing while advancing innovation across the chemical sciences.

Want to Become a Peer Reviewer?

Co-Reviewing Pilot — Mentor the Next Generation of Peer Reviewers

Peer review is a critical skill, yet many early-career researchers receive little formal guidance on how to do it effectively. ACS Publications’ Co-Reviewing Program provides an opportunity for research trainees to receive mentorship from a more experienced researcher while preparing manuscript reviewer comments.

The program also supports existing ACS reviewers by enabling them to share their expertise, strengthen mentoring relationships, and help develop the next generation of peer reviewers. By formalizing collaborative review practices, ACS Publications aims to expand peer review opportunities, build reviewer capacity, and recognize contributions across all career stages.

Benefits of the co-reviewing program for existing reviewers:

• Advance your mentorship by turning routine review requests into hands-on learning opportunities for trainees and junior colleagues.
• Share your peer review expertise and contribute to the development of future reviewers in your field.
• Build peer review capacity by broadening the global pool of qualified, reliable reviewers.
• Ensure early-career researchers are recognized for their contributions through formal acknowledgment of their review work.
• Strengthen the quality and sustainability of the peer review process by supporting reviewer training and engagement.

Why participate?

Whether you are an early-career researcher looking to develop your reviewing skills or an existing reviewer seeking to mentor others, the ACS Co-Reviewing Program provides a structured way to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive peer review community.

Help shape the future of scientific publishing. Select the co-review option when accepting your next invitation to review or ask your mentor or PI about co-reviewing their next ACS review assignment with you.

Reviewer Application Pilot — A New Pathway to Becoming an ACS Reviewer

Ready to join our expert peer reviewer network? ACS Publications has a new reviewer application process, providing a simplified way to apply to become an ACS reviewer and get matched with manuscripts in your field of study.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed the ACS Reviewer Lab training program. The application allows you to select broad research categories and niche interest topics that align with your expertise, helping us match you with relevant manuscripts. Additionally, it offers a more streamlined approach to joining the ACS reviewer pool and contributing to the peer review process.

Eligibility: Open to experienced reviewers who have not previously reviewed for ACS journals and have completed the ACS Reviewer Lab course.

ACS Reviewer Lab

ACS Reviewer Lab is a free course, developed by ACS Staff and Editors, which helps you prepare for your first review, refreshes your current peer review knowledge, and educates the next generation of peer reviewers.

ACS Reviewer Lab offers several advantages including:

• Access a free and flexible course: The course is available on-demand at no cost for a self-paced learning experience.
• Certification upon completion: Earn a certificate of completion to showcase your professional development and peer review training.
• Practical skill building: Learn how to spot ethical issues, handle conflicts of interest, judge technical quality, and write clear, constructive reviews.

What you will learn:

• The fundamentals of peer review and its vital role in ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific publishing.
• How to navigate ethical challenges, identify potential conflicts of interest, and minimize personal bias during the review process.
• Best practices for preparing to evaluate a manuscript effectively and efficiently.
• Techniques for assessing research impact and evaluating the technical quality and rigor of a manuscript.
• How to use evaluation tools to assess manuscript presentation and identify potential safety concerns.
• How to write clear, constructive, and high-quality reviews that provide meaningful feedback to both editors and authors.

On-Demand Webinar: “The Value of Peer Review in the AI Era”

To commemorate Peer Review Week, revisit our on-demand webinar, “The Value of Peer Review in the AI Era,” and unlock the future of scientific publishing.

Key Takeaways

• Master ACS standards: Get clear, practical tips for reviewing journal manuscripts.
• Stay ahead: Discover the new AI trends transforming peer review.
• Make an impact: See how your role as a peer reviewer strengthens the global scientific community.

Event Details

• Speakers: Dane Secor, Product Manager, ACS Publications and Aliesa Wolfe, Innovation Discovery Lead, ACS Publications
• Moderator: Silvia Imberti, Lead Editor of ACS Omega, ACS Publications