Yesterday, I completed my final editorial assignment as an Academic Editor for PLOS One, closing a rewarding chapter that began in 2023.

During this time, I was responsible for handling more than ten submitted manuscripts. Each assignment offered the chance to engage with researchers across diverse fields and to support the communication of robust, accessible science through the peer-review process.

One of the more demanding aspects of the role was securing reviewers. It was not uncommon to invite more than ten potential reviewers before obtaining the required evaluations. Over time, I found a few approaches particularly helpful: starting with researchers whose work I already knew, expanding the search through recent literature and database tools, personalizing invitations, and deliberately including early-career researchers who often have greater availability. Setting up alternate reviewers in the system also helped keep the process moving when initial invitees declined.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute in this way and to support open science. Many thanks to PLOS ONE for the recognition and for the chance to serve the scientific community.

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