A group of Finnish scientists is hoping to change the way the scientific peer review process is conducted in order to benefit authors, reviewers and associate editors.

Peerage of Science accepts articles that are then reviewed by volunteer reviewers only once. Those who review a manuscript rate other reviews, giving the article a reviewer quality score. The authors then revise the manuscript and any journal using the system is able to make an offer to publish.

Under the new service, authors who receive multiple offers can choose the journal they wish to publish in.

Already a small number of papers have been accepted via the system which will reduce the need for authors to send their manuscripts from journal to journal with separate reviews being conducted each time.

Authors are set to benefit with a shorter time before acceptance and the possibility of being recognized as a good reviewer. Associate editors will not have to find other reviews but simply scan reviewed manuscripts and make offers on the ones that suit their particular journal.