For Reviewers

In support of open science, Trends in Plant Biology follows a strict peer review process. All manuscripts submitted are evaluated by one or more experts in the relevant research area to ensure quality before publication. Independent researchers assess submissions for originality, validity, and significance, helping editors decide if a manuscript is suitable for this journal.

Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. Each reviewer carries significant responsibility and is expected to complete evaluations promptly, transparently, and ethically, adhering to the COPE guidelines: https://publicationethics.org/files/cope-ethical-guidelines-peer-reviewers-v2_0.pdf.

Trends in Plant Biology relies on reviewers to ensure that submitted papers:

  • Represent advances in a specific area of Trends in Plant Biology
  • The article is broadly relevant to the plant biology/science community
  • The article provides strong support for their conclusions
  • Data are technically sound and reproducible

Reviewers’ Responsibilities

  • Possess the necessary expertise to assess the manuscript’s scientific quality
  • Deliver thorough and constructive review reports
  • Stay responsive throughout the review process
  • Maintain professional and ethical standards
  • During peer review, the use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools must comply strictly with confidentiality and ethics.
  • Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or review reports to external AI platforms, as this may breach authors’ intellectual property and confidentiality. Human expertise and responsibility remain essential, and AI must not be used for academic judgment to avoid inaccurate or biased outcomes. Reviewers are solely accountable for their reports.

Reviewers’ Benefits

  • Personalized reviewer certificates and eligibility for the “Outstanding Reviewer Awards”;
  • Outstanding reviewers may be invited to join the Reviewer Board by Editors-in-Chief;
  • Reviewers can create Web of Science profiles to track their review activities, which can also integrate with ORCID.

Call for Applications: Reviewer Board Member

Trends in Plant Biology establishes a Reviewer Board composed of outstanding reviewers to enhance the quality and efficiency of the peer review process. Outstanding reviewers are recognized as experienced researchers who regularly contribute by providing thorough and high-quality manuscript evaluations. Members serve an initial one-year term, which can be extended or concluded afterward. Their duties and benefits align with those of regular reviewers, with the following additional requirements:

  • Reviewer Board members must evaluate at least one manuscript annually. If unable to review, they should suggest qualified alternative reviewers.
  • The journal will issue Reviewer Board certificates to members.

In the future, all members will receive priority consideration for appointment to the Editorial Board based on a comprehensive assessment.

How to Apply

To join the Reviewer Board, please send your CV, Google Scholar link, and ORCID to tpb@trendsacademics.com with a subject title “Application for Reviewer.” The editorial office will review applications and notify applicants of the results via email.