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One of the key aspects of F1000Research’s model is that all the referee reports are published alongside our articles. We believe this has many benefits, not least because anyone reading the article can rest assured that experts in the field have reviewed the article, and read exactly what they thought. Because reviewer reports are published, our authors can respond directly using our Comments system and discuss the article and changes with the referees– making this a collaborative peer review process.

Even if just to detail changes, it is hugely beneficial for everyone

When authors and referees discuss peer review reports, even if just to detail changes, it is hugely beneficial for everyone. Whether it’s clarifying installation instructions for software or providing extra information in response to a suggestion for improvement, the additional dialogue helps make sure referees and authors are on the same page when it comes to revising the article, and stops being wasted on repeatedly re-writing and re-reviewing over misunderstandings.

Referees can also read and respond to other referee reports – in the comments section or within their own reviews – building up a consensus on which areas are most important to revise, or which aspects particularly deserve praise (Kurt Fagerstedt and Joel Greenspan’s reviews are good examples of this). It shouldn’t be forgotten that being able to respond to reviews also gives authors a chance to thank their reviewers personally!

This open discussion is far closer to how science actually works

As well as improving the article itself, open collaborative peer review also benefits those who are interested in the article. Discussions between authors and referees provide extra information and background for the reader, and often contain links to other articles that confirm or refute the findings. Readers can also find discussion and expansion of the data, justification of methods, or a more detailed explanation of what was changed between article versions. And of course, readers are also able to make their own suggestions and participate in the discussion with authors if they’ve their own questions or comments. This open discussion is far closer to how science actually works, rather than the more traditional blind peer review systems where valuable context and clarifications are unavailable to those interested in the article.

Joining the discussion on F1000Research is easy

Joining the discussion on F1000Research is easy – simply scroll to the end of the article or referee report you wish to comment on, and click “comment” (please be sure your affiliation is listed on your My Details page, so that we can publish your comment promptly). If you track the article, you’ll also receive notifications when other comments and referee reports are published, including those in response to yours.