Blockchain and Its Application in the Peer Review of Scientific Papers: A Systematic Review

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that ensures the security and transparency of data, guaranteeing that it cannot be altered. Its application in the peer review of scientific papers can contribute to improving the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the process, mitigating issues of manipulation and fraud. This work analyzes the contributions of various research studies that address the use of blockchain technology in peer review. The study is a systematic literature review (SLR) in which the PRISMA methodology was applied. Fifty primary studies were identified through searches in databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore, and ACM. The analyzed research reveals innovative approaches, such as decentralized solutions, smart contracts, and token economy, to address challenges like biases, transparency, and speed in the review process. It is concluded that this technology can enhance the transparency and efficiency of peer review, and has the potential not only to overcome current limitations in peer review but also to redefine the structure and culture of scientific research.