One of eLife’s most notable highlights of 2019 was the appointment of our new Editor-in-Chief, Michael Eisen, who has for many years demonstrated commitment to reforming research communication for the benefit of scientists and society. With Eisen at the helm, we announced two new initiatives to enhance the value of peer review for all. We reflect on these and our other efforts to transform research communication through improvements to science publishing, technology and research culture in this report.