Data is important to assessing the accuracy of a scholarly research article. That’s why Dryad offers Private for Peer Review — an optional feature that grants controlled access for journal staff, editors, and peer reviewers before datasets are published.

When submitting a dataset to Dryad, authors can choose to have their dataset evaluated by a curator and published straight away OR choose the Private for Peer Review option, which allows researchers to securely share their data files with collaborators, journal staff, and reviewers while their manuscript undergoes peer review. This means reviewers can evaluate the underlying data before it’s made publicly visible. 

This simplified workflow diagram shows how the journal’s peer review process runs in parallel with Dryad’s ‘Private for Peer Review’ feature.

The temporary link allocated to the dataset at Private for Peer Review includes several key features. Specifically, the link: 

• Allows secure access to the dataset title, all files uploaded, and the README file
• Supports the double-anonymous peer review process used by some journals
• Is not a permanent link; it’s made inactive and non-functional at the time of dataset publication
• Should not be included in a manuscript’s Data Availability Statement

Here’s an example of the format of the private link:

Releasing Your Dataset for Curation

Once your manuscript has been accepted, the next step is to make your dataset publicly available. If your data is currently set to Private for Peer Review, you can release it to enter Dryad’s curation and publication process.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Dryad account
2. Go to “My datasets”
3. Find your dataset in the “Kept private” section
4. Click “Release for curation”

After you release your dataset, it moves into Dryad’s curation workflow. From there, it will be reviewed, prepared for publication, and eventually made publicly available. 

When Datasets Are Released Automatically

In some situations, Dryad can automatically move datasets out of Private for Peer Review. If your manuscript is submitted to a journal that integrates with Dryad and provides manuscript status updates, upon receiving a notification of manuscript acceptance, your dataset will be automatically released from Private for Peer Review status and queued for curation and publication. Explore the full list of integrated journal titles.

This automated workflow helps ensure that datasets are published promptly, reducing delays and supporting open science practices. 

Visit our help pages for more information on releasing a dataset from Private for Peer Review status for curation and publication — including scenarios when this process happens automatically.