Russian Journal of Developmental Biology is a journal that publishes reviews and experimental articles dealing with various aspects of developmental biology. It presents fundamental and applied research on development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis at the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels. PEER REVIEW Russian Journal of Developmental Biology is a peer reviewed journal. We use a double blind peer review format. Our team of reviewers includes over 100 reviewers, both internal and external (80%). The average period from submission to first decision in 2017 was 40 days, and that from first decision to acceptance was 90 days. The rejection rate for submitted manuscripts in 2017 was 55%. The final decision on the acceptance of an article for publication is made by the Editorial Board. Any invited reviewer who feels unqualified or unable to review the manuscript due to the conflict of interests should promptly notify the editors and decline the invitation. Reviewers should formulate their statements clearly in a sound and reasoned way so that authors can use reviewer’s arguments to improve the manuscript. Personal criticism of the authors must be avoided. Reviewers should indicate in a review (i) any relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors, (ii) anything that has been reported in previous publications and not given appropriate reference or citation, (ii) any substantial similarity or overlap with any other manuscript (published or unpublished) of which they have personal knowledge.