What is Publons?
Publons (now integrated into the Web of Science Reviewer Recognition Service) is a platform developed by Clarivate Analytics to record, verify, and showcase your peer review and editorial work.
It recognizes researchers for their reviewing, editing, and evaluation contributions to scholarly publishing — turning invisible labor into measurable academic credit.
Official Website: https://publons.com
Clarivate Reviewer Recognition Portal: https://www.webofscience.com/reviewer-recognition
Why Publons Matters
| Feature | Description | Academic Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Verified Peer Reviews | Publons verifies reviews with journals and publishers. | Ensures credibility and integrity. |
| Reviewer Profile | Displays your peer review, editorial roles, and metrics. | Builds an academic reputation. |
| Editorial Contributions | Lists your associate editor, editor-in-chief, or guest editor duties. | Enhances leadership credentials. |
| Integration with Web of Science | Links your reviewing history with your published papers. | Centralized professional identity. |
| Recognition Certificates | Downloadable, shareable review certificates. | Use in CVs, promotions, and funding applications. |
Core Metrics on Publons
- Total Reviews: Number of peer reviews you’ve completed.
- Verified Reviews: Reviews confirmed by the journal.
- Editorial Records: Editorial board participation and handled manuscripts.
- Review Quality Score: Based on reviewer feedback and editor evaluations.
- Institutional Dashboard: For universities to evaluate researcher service impact.
Integration and Automation
Publons automatically imports records from:
- Web of Science (for linked publications)
- ORCID (https://orcid.org)
- CrossRef Metadata
- Partner Journals (Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Wiley)
How to Register
- Visit Publons.com
- Sign up using your institutional or ORCID-linked email
- Link your ORCID ID for verification
- Add your published works and review records
- Confirm reviews via journal email or submission system integration
How to Add Reviews
Automatic Import: From integrated journals
Email Verification: Forward your review confirmation email to reviews@publons.com
Manual Entry: Add details (journal name, date, type) for verification
Benefits of Publons for Reviewers
- Recognition for peer review work
- Quantifiable review metrics for annual evaluations
- Evidence for promotions, tenure, and grants
- Invitation to review for reputable journals
- Automatic ORCID updates for verified reviews
- Reviewer certificates for academic portfolios
- Access to the global reviewer ranking system
Tools & Integrations
| Platform | Function |
|---|---|
| Clarivate Web of Science | Main profile integration |
| ORCID | Auto-sync profile & works |
| CrossRef | Metadata verification |
| EndNote / RefWorks | Citation import |
| Publons Reviewer Recognition Dashboard | View and download analytics |
For Editors & Journals
- Assign and track peer reviewers efficiently
- Recognize reviewers publicly while maintaining confidentiality
- Access reviewer databases and performance analytics
- Publish journal-level review statistics
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Publons free to use?
Yes, Publons registration and all its recognition tools are completely free.
2. Can I add reviews for any journal?
Yes, for any academic journal. Publons verifies authenticity through journal confirmation or editorial integration.
3. Are my reviews publicly visible?
No — review content remains confidential. Only verified review records and journals are displayed.
4. How do I prove my peer review experience?
Publons issues downloadable Reviewer Certificates showing verified reviews and editorial work.
5. How does Publons verify my reviews?
Verification is done automatically via integrated submission systems or manually through email confirmations.
6. Can I integrate Publons with ORCID?
Yes — Publons automatically syncs review records to your ORCID profile once connected.
7. What are “Top Reviewer Awards”?
Annual recognitions given by Publons/Clarivate to reviewers in top global percentile rankings by subject.
8. Does Publons track editorial board activity?
Yes, including guest editor roles, conference editorial work, and handling manuscripts.
9. Can institutions use Publons data?
Yes — universities can analyze researcher contributions in service and review quality.
10. Is Publons the same as Web of Science?
Publons is a component of Clarivate’s Web of Science ecosystem, focused on peer review recognition.
11. How can I use Publons data in my CV?
Download your verified Reviewer Certificate or embed your Publons profile link.
12. What’s the benefit for journals?
Increased reviewer engagement, verified recognition, and improved editorial transparency.
13. What is the “Reviewer Connect” service?
Publons helps editors find qualified reviewers through its verified database.
14. How do I delete a review?
You can remove it manually from your dashboard at any time.
15. Can I get a certificate for editorial work?
Yes, Publons provides certificates for editors, associate editors, and guest editors.
