Announcement: Austral Ecology Adopts Double-Anonymous Peer Review

Dear Authors,

We are pleased to announce a significant update to our peer review process at Austral Ecology. Effective

May 28, Austral Ecology will transition to operating a double-anonymised model of peer review.


What does this mean for you?

In a double-anonymous peer review model, the identities of both the authors and reviewers are kept confidential, although Editors and the Editorial Office will have full oversight of this information. This method aims to reduce potential biases and ensure a fairer and more objective review process.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhanced fairness: Reviews are based solely on the quality of the manuscript without influence from the authors' identities.
  • Improved objectivity: Reviewers can provide honest and unbiased feedback, knowing their identities are protected.
  • Greater inclusivity: This system promotes equity and inclusivity, welcoming contributions from diverse author and reviewer groups.

What changes for authors?

Authors will now need to submit manuscripts without any identifying information. Please ensure that your submission complies with the following guidelines:

  • Remove names and affiliations from the title page and
  • Exclude acknowledgments that reveal identity
  • Replace any self-citations with neutral references (e.g., "Author A, 2021, presented data that ..." rather than “In 2021 we reported that ...).
  • Upload a separate title page with all author details, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest and other applicable statements that may compromise authorship identity.

We believe this transition will enhance the quality and integrity of the review process, benefiting both authors and reviewers alike.

Thank you for your continued support and contributions to Austral Ecology. We look forward to receiving your submissions under the new double-anonymous peer review system.

For information about Austral Ecology and manuscript submission, please visit the journal’s Author Guidelines.

Sincerely,
The Editorial Team, Austral Ecology