Uniting the global research community under the theme "Rethinking Peer Review in the AI Era," this year's Peer Review Week inspired broad conversations, captured here through reflections from the event's Co-Chairs.

Peer Review Week 2025 felt different this time: more dynamic, more urgent, and more relevant.

Every discussion drew deep engagement and the theme’s relevancy was evident in the sheer scale of participation this year: over 40 events in just a week. Peer Review Week (PRW) 2025 brought together publishers, academic societies and author service companies in meaningful dialogue. This high engagement wasn't really a surprise; after all, the theme "Rethinking Peer Review in the AI era" was chosen by the academic community itself and comes at a time when these global conversations are critical for peer review to continue to be effective. Across the panels, interviews, and community events, the participants revealed a shared truth: peer review will not survive by standing still. It must adapt or lose the very trust that it was meant to uphold.

Maryam Sayab, PRW 2025 Co-Chair

A Shift from "Whether" to "How"

This year marked a turning point. The question is no longer whether AI belongs in peer review. The integration is already happening. What matters now is how we shape it — through clear policies, shared standards, and a commitment to integrity and equity. Roohi Ghosh, Co-Chair of the event, notes: "The conversation has moved beyond debating whether AI should be adopted. Its integration is now an undeniable reality. Our focus must shift to reimagining peer review in ways that transcend traditional methods." The Co-Chairs emphasize that this shift requires courage from every corner of the ecosystem — not just technology adoption, but an intentional and inclusive transformation.

A New Reviewer Experience

Reviewer fatigue and uneven capacity are among the biggest threats to the sustainability of peer review. Many conversations this year highlighted how AI could support, not replace, reviewers by making the process more efficient, consistent, and engaging. Co-Chair Maria Machado reflects:

Maria Machado, PRW 2025 Co-Chair

This vision frames AI not as a disruptor, but as a tool for rebuilding trust and participation.

Equity and Shared Responsibility

A recurring concern across global dialogues was the risk of creating a two-tier system — one where well-resourced publishers and regions shape the future while others are left behind. The Co-Chairs stressed that equity must anchor this evolution. Gareth Dyke, Co-Chair of the event, states:

Gareth Dyke, PRW 2025 Co-Chair

The message was clear: policy clarity, access, and shared accountability are non-negotiable for a trusted and credible peer review system.

A Global Platform for Change

PRW 2025 showed us that the community is ready to lead, not just react. The peer review ecosystem stands at a crossroads where responsible adaptation will define its relevance in the years to come.

More than an annual campaign, PRW has become a global platform where shared values, hard questions, and collective action converge. It is where the future of peer review begins to take shape, not in theory, but in practice.

The Co-Chairs share a united perspective: adaptation is not optional. It is the condition for credibility, trust, and sustainability.

Disclosure: Maryam Sayab serves on the Editorial Committee of the Science Integrity Alliance.