Peer Review Week: IOP Publishing champions the essential role of reviewers in the age of AI 

14 Sep 2026 by Faye Holst Peer reviewers making a difference

During Peer Review Week, the annual global event that highlights the importance of peer review, IOP Publishing (IOPP) is celebrating the difference peer reviewers make in building trust in science in the age of AI. 

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to change the research and publishing landscape, peer reviewers continue to play an essential role in improving research through the expertise and knowledge they bring to the review process. 

‘The Difference I Make as a Reviewer’ campaign brings together the voices of peer reviewers to demonstrate the essential contribution they make to science. Their stories highlight how rigorous peer review strengthens research, challenges assumptions, identifies opportunities for improvement and helps ensure that published findings are robust and reliable. 

Kim Eggleton, Head of Peer Review and Research Integrity at IOP Publishing said: “AI is forcing us to rethink many aspects of the research ecosystem. The same technology that has the potential to accelerate discovery and help identify potential integrity concerns at scale is also challenging how trust in research is established and maintained. What hasn’t changed is the importance of peer reviewers. They bring expertise, judgement and critical thinking that technology simply can’t replicate. They help strengthen research, improve its quality and build trust in science. AI can complement that work, but it can’t replace it. This Peer Review Week, we’re celebrating and thanking the reviewers who continue to make a difference to science every day.” 

As a purpose-led publisher, IOP Publishing is committed to helping peer reviewers develop their skills and confidence through free training and certification, feedback and support.

Find out more here.