Paying reviewers speeds up decisions and improves quality in Biology Open's trial

Biology Open piloted a Fast & Fair program that pays reviewers £220 for high-quality reviews delivered within four working days. The scheme cut the average time to a first editorial decision from about 38 days to 5.5 working days and reportedly improved review usefulness. Funded by The Company of Biologists, the trial expanded to all ten editors in 2025 with pre-contracted reviewers, and authors can opt for traditional peer review if suitably expert reviewers aren’t available. The program is evaluated annually through 2026.