Review for us
The benefits of becoming a peer reviewer and how to apply.
Discoveries couldn’t happen without the integral work of peer reviewers. The assessment process makes sure that every article we publish adds something worthwhile to the scientific record. It promotes quality and upholds rigour.
However, it’s not just about science as a whole – there are significant ways becoming a peer reviewer can benefit you, too.
On this page
The benefits of becoming a peer reviewer
There are many benefits to joining our peer review network. Read on to learn more about your potential and how to apply.
Reviewing incoming submissions gives you a chance to understand the current flow of research in your subject area.
It’s an opportunity for you to broaden your understanding and gain a new perspective – it might even inspire new ways of thinking about your own research. After an article has been accepted for publication, you can also explore the other reports on the same manuscript, helping you develop as a reviewer.
We highlight our outstanding reviewers annually, based on the number, timeliness and quality of reports completed over that year. Each receives a certificate in recognition of their contribution.
You can also track and boost your progress with the Web of Science reviewer recognition service. Simply opt in via our submission system the next time you review for us and receive recognition for your reviews. Your contributions will be automatically linked to your Web of Science account, so you can continue to record and measure your peer review output.
Joining our peer reviewer network also means being part of an inclusive global community of researchers. One that’s made up of people from all over the world with different backgrounds and experiences. We welcome anyone that has the knowledge and expertise to make a difference.
We want our peer reviewer network to accurately reflect the wider chemical science community, so we are continuing to take actions that encourage inclusivity and diversity. Read more about this in our framework for action in scientific publishing.
To be a Royal Society of Chemistry reviewer is to inspire diverse talent, support sustainability, drive discovery and advance knowledge.
You have the power to play a key role in this by upholding the chemical sciences as a force for good. By working together, we are helping to unravel some of the greatest issues facing humanity today.
We are committed to research and decision-making that is open, robust and accessible. Peer review makes up a considerable part of that.
See which peer review models our journals offer, including transparent peer review and double-anonymous peer review options.
Membership brings support and connections that last throughout your career and beyond.
If you are not already a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, you can receive a 50% discount when you apply for Affiliate membership. Currently reviewing for us? Get in touch with your relevant editorial office to receive your special discount code.
When you review for us, you receive a 25% discount on all Royal Society of Chemistry books.
Just ask your relevant editorial team for your custom discount code.
The peer review process is vital to ensure the integrity of the research that is published. This ensures that there is trust and confidence by the community in work that is published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Karen Faulds, RSC Advances Co-Editor-in-Chief
Apply to become a peer reviewer
We are always looking to expand our peer reviewer network, because we want to reflect the diversity of our wider chemical science community.
1. Check your eligibility
Our reviewers are typically:
- qualified to PhD level (or equivalent) or above in a relevant subject
- a current active researcher
- published recently in one or more peer-reviewed journals of comparable impact and reputation to our journals.
2. Read our reviewer guidance
Make sure you have looked at our reviewer procedure and policy for general guidance on the process and our requirements.
3. Begin your application
Once you are ready, complete our online application to be considered. This involves some questions on yourself, your research areas and publications, and should take no longer than 10 minutes.