Fungal Diversity is committed to advancing open science and maintaining the integrity of the scientific record. Peer review is a cornerstone of this process. All manuscripts submitted to Fungal Diversity are evaluated by independent experts in relevant fields to assess originality, validity, and significance before publication. Reviewers play a critical role in ensuring high-quality, reliable, and ethical scientific communication.

Purpose of Peer Review
Reviewers help editors determine whether a manuscript:

● Advances understanding in mycology, fungal ecology, evolution, genomics, or related fields.

● Is of broad relevance and interest to the international scientific community.

● Provides sufficient evidence to support its conclusions.

● Contains data that are technically sound and reproducible.

Reviewers’ Responsibilities
Reviewers help editors determine whether a manuscript:

● Possess the necessary expertise to evaluate the manuscript rigorously.

● Provide constructive, considerate, and detailed feedback.

● Respond promptly and maintain communication throughout the review process.

● Uphold professional and ethical standards.

● Maintain confidentiality of the manuscript and review process.

COPE Guidelines for Reviewers:
Reviewers are encouraged to follow the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Review:
https://publicationethics.org/guidance/guideline/ethical-guidelines-peer-reviewers

Benefits for Reviewers:

● Personalized Reviewer Certificates recognizing contributions.

● Eligibility for the journal’s Outstanding Reviewer Awards.

● Opportunity to create a profile on Publons to track reviewing activity, which can be linked with ORCID.

● Recognition for supporting rigorous and high-quality scientific peer review.

Reviewer Board Membership
Fungal Diversity maintains a Reviewer Board of experienced and outstanding reviewers to enhance the speed and quality of peer review.

Eligibility and Responsibilities:

● Minimum of one manuscript review per year.

● Recommend alternative reviewers if unable to complete a review.

● Maintain the same ethical and professional standards as regular reviewers.

● Reviewer Board members receive official certificates and are publicly acknowledged on the journal website.

Opportunities:

● Board members are eligible for priority consideration for future Editorial Board positions based on performance..

● Term is initially one year, with the possibility of extension.