The critical role of peer reviewers: Challenges and future steps

Abstract

The critical role of peer reviewers in the publishing process is examined. Examples of typical challenges are provided, including the relative lack of rewards for this important task. Particular attention is paid to the need to consider the diversity of the peer reviewers recruited and impediments to the selection beyond Areas of Competence, often due to the small available pool. Finally, recommendations for improvement are suggested.

The Peer Review Process - a Tutorial

“…Reviewers are not expected to correct spelling or langue mistake, but rather provide an overall assessment by advising authors to have the manuscript checked by a native speaker (24), or use the journal edition service if available. Peer review needs to be an awarding task and journals has started with sending annually reviewer certifications, continuing medical education (CME) credits, providing open online reviewer database, or open credits through the database Publons/Web of Science (25). Furthermore, it is important that the reviewer has some knowledge about the subject being investigated in order to have constructive feedback about appropriate valid references including up to date references.…”

“…Editors are responsible for identifying the expert reviewers, but the pool of reviewers are often limited (25). Reviewers must spend time on the specific journal guideline on how to assess a manuscript as a peer reviewer.…”

Rethinking Plagiarism in the Era of Generative AI

“…The peer-review process in academic publishing, while essential for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring the quality of published research, is beset with several significant issues [49]. One of the primary concerns is the inherent subjectivity of the process [50].…”

The importance of debunking constructions

“… El-Guebaly and colleagues (2023) discuss the critical role of peer reviewers as gatekeepers in the addiction publication sector. Belfrage and colleagues (2023) have studied traumatic experiences and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in substance use disorder.…”