I. Purpose

- To recognize scholars who provide high-quality, timely, and constructive peer-review reports;
- To encourage active participation in the peer-review process and enhance the quality and efficiency of the journal‘s editorial workflow;
- To further strengthen the international academic reputation of EXO - Beyond the Cell (EXO) in cell biology, cancer research, and related frontier disciplines.

II. Eligibility

All reviewers who have completed at least three (3) peer reviews for EXO during the evaluation year are eligible for consideration.

III. Selection Criteria

- Review Volume: Number of completed reviews within the year, with higher volume given priority;
- Review Quality: Professionalism, depth, constructiveness, and completeness of review reports;
- Timeliness: Adherence to review deadlines, reflecting responsibility and efficiency;
- Special Contributions: Including support for urgent reviews, participation in multiple review rounds, and additional contributions to the journal or scholarly community.

IV. Selection Process

- Data Collection: The Editorial Office compiles annual review statistics, including review volume, timeliness, and quality assessments;
- Preliminary Screening: Reviewers meeting the basic volume and completion requirements are shortlisted;
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Candidates are ranked based on a holistic assessment of quantity, quality, timeliness, and special contributions;
- Final Approval: The final list of awardees is reviewed and approved by the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Office.

V. Awards and Recognition

- Awardees will receive an official Outstanding Reviewer Certificate issued by EXO - Beyond the Cell;
- Awardees will be eligible for fast-track peer review for future submissions and one APC waiver;
- The journal will publicly recognize awardees through official announcements, press releases, social media, or online academic events;
- Awardees will be offered complimentary access to selected academic workshops, webinars, or special events organized by the journal.

VI. Timeline

- Frequency: Annually;
- Announcement: Awardees will be announced in the early part of the following year.