Cureus Peer Review Process

Explained

How Does Cureus Publish So Quickly?

We hear this question a lot, which makes sense when you consider that most traditional journals take months to reach a decision. Cureus peer review is designed to make the process more efficient and accessible for both authors and reviewers without compromising quality.

We value your time

Our editorial workflows are designed to eliminate the unnecessary back-and-forth and artificial wait times currently plaguing academic publishing.

We leverage technology

Automation and smart tools take care of most routine checks, leaving editors and reviewers to focus on what really matters – the scientific contents of your article.

We provide clear instructions

Peer reviewers are incentivized to act quickly if they wish to review, while detailed and constructive feedback is ensured through post-review evaluations of each and every completed peer review.

The Result?

A median peer review time of under 10 days and a median publication time of only 26 days.

Experience peer review that values your time and delivers thorough, thoughtful feedback - sign up for your free Cureus account today.

How Does Cureus Peer Review Work?

Our peer review process is clear, collaborative, and rigorous - designed to help authors improve their work while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. Here’s how it works:
Stage 1
Smart Reviewer Matching
  • Precision matching: Article specialty/category + keyword mapping against reviewer expertise
  • Quality filter: Stronger reviewer track record = more likely to be invited to review
  • Reviewer reinforcements: Additional qualified reviewers are invited every 48 hours to keep the process moving
Stage 2
Email Invitations Link Directly to Review Mode
  • Invitation feedback: Our algorithm refines future matches
  • Platform flexibility: Peer review support across desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile devices
  • Single-blind: Reviewers see author names; reviewers remain anonymous
Stage 3
Inline Comments + Structured Questionnaire
  • Inline highlights: Select text, add comments, suggest clarifications
  • Tailored questionnaire: 4-6 questions depending on article type
  • Start now, finish later: Save review progress and submit when ready
Stage 4
Cureus Editorial Assessment & Decision
  • Extra insight: Author responses to reviewer comments are delivered to editors
  • Peer review assessment: Is feedback appropriate, professional, and aligned with journal criteria?
  • Article assessment: Have authors adequately revised? Is the article fit for publication?
  • Decision: Accept / re-review / revise / reject based on Cureus editorial assessment

What Makes Cureus Peer Review Unique?

No Artificial Deadlines
Cureus is challenging long-held industry assumptions about peer review. How much time do peer reviewers actually spend reviewing a manuscript? A few hours. So why do so many authors wait months for their manuscript to undergo peer review? Arbitrary deadlines. And what do deadlines often cause? Procrastination.

All manuscripts require at least two completed reviews from independent reviewers. When the second review is submitted, the authors are notified and permitted to revise their manuscript. (They can also choose to wait for additional reviews.) Cureus doesn’t artificially inflate peer review time to satisfy the misguided belief that longer peer review equals better peer review.
Easy to Use
Reviewers are provided with clear, easy-to-follow instructions with a process to match. Working in the Cureus Review Mode (no PDFs, no Word documents!), peer reviewers highlight text and comment directly in the article. The next and final step is completing a short questionnaire before submission of the review. This entire process can be completed from a tablet or phone if desired.

This frictionless process allows authors to respond comment by comment, leading to an efficient revision process and, ultimately, faster publication. This collaborative model empowers authors to strengthen their work, reviewers to express their concerns in a helpful way, and editors to oversee a fair, productive exchange.
Technology Driven
Our custom-built peer review platform guides reviewers through every step and alerts them when action is needed. Our intelligent matching algorithm analyzes keywords and specialties to invite available, relevant reviewers — reducing human delay and ensuring each manuscript lands in the hands of reviewers who truly understand it.

With support for desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, peer reviewers can provide feedback anywhere. Meanwhile, authors can track peer review progress from their dashboard in real time.

Our Ethical Commitment

We hold ourselves to the highest standards:
Confidentiality:
Manuscripts and reviewer identities are protected.
Quality control:
Every submitted review is carefully vetted to maintain quality and integrity.
No conflicts:
Reviewers are screened for potential bias.
No AI-generated reviews:
Every review is thoughtful, human, and accountable.

How to Become a Peer Reviewer

Join our community of trusted experts shaping the future of medical publishing.
Apply to Become a Reviewer

FAQ

How is negative feedback handled?

Constructive criticism is encouraged and monitored. Unprofessional and inappropriate feedback is flagged and reviewers are held accountable.

How are unprofessional/inappropriate/unethical reviewers held accountable?

We take reviewer conduct seriously. Unhelpful, biased or otherwise inappropriate reviews are rejected, and offenders are removed from the reviewer pool.

How do reviewers get credit?

Each review can be linked to your ORCiD profile. You’ll also receive official review confirmation (reviewer certificate) and recognition on our People Page, and gain progress toward rewards tiers in our Cureus Honors program.

Do you allow AI tools in peer review?

No. Reviews must be original, thoughtful, and authored by a human.

What’s the difference between reviewers and Advisers?

Advisers provide additional, optional guidance to authors. They do not replace the formal peer review process.

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