Navigating peer review
Building trust and engagement in peer review
Certified Peer Reviewer Course
The Elsevier Researcher Academy is pleased to announce a new certified course in peer reviewing. By taking the Certified* Peer Reviewer course, you will receive a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of refereeing. Co-created, developed and in part delivered by senior academic editors on leading journals, the course has been specifically designed to give those who have not yet reviewed – or who feel they would like additional training in this area – the skills and confidence to accept a request to review.
Delivered via directed self-learning in the form of webinars, podcasts and questionnaires, the course can be tackled in your own time. Several core modules must be completed to gain certification, but you can “pick and choose” additional elements to suit your individual learning needs and interests. You can also check out the speakers & advisory board here and you can familiarize yourself with the syllabus here. Becoming a certified peer reviewer will allow you to publicly demonstrate your expertise as a referee and will be a clear signal to journal editors that you would be a valuable addition to their reviewer pool. In addition, it is possible that your institution might recognize your certification as evidence of continuing professional education.
*Please note that completion of the Certified Peer Reviewer course does not guarantee invitation or selection as a reviewer. Furthermore, practices, requirements, instructions and methodologies can vary considerably according to the context in which you are working, the type of journal and the specific editor and title so the examples and suggestions in the course should be taken as illustrative but non-exhaustive. Please refer to your journal’s guide for authors and any specific instructions or advice from the editor or journal for the most relevant instructions for your review.
- Understanding of the peer review process
- Advice on writing a helpful peer review report
- Advice on handling ethical issues concerning peer review
Introduction to the Certified Peer Reviewer Course
Would you like to become a certified peer reviewer? Elsevier Researcher Academy is pleased to announce a new certified course in peer reviewing.
What to expect from the Certified Peer Reviewer Course?
One week until the Certified Peer Reviewer Course goes live! This podcast gives you a sneak peak into what to expect from the course and why you should sign up.
1.1 What is peer review? Why peer review?
To prepare you for the Certified Peer Reviewer course, in this first section, we take a step back and discuss the history of academic publishing and explain the status quo of peer review.
1.2 Models of peer review
In this section, we discuss the various models of peer review and break down the difference between single/double/triple and open peer review, and discuss their strong suits and shortcomings.
1.3 The typical peer review process
This section breaks down the typical peer review process by discussing the steps from submission to the selection of reviewers by the editors.
1.4 How to get involved
Learn how you can get involved in peer review and contribute to trust and quality in academia and research.
2.0 I just got a review invite, what’s next?
This section follows your journey from when you get the invitation to review.
3.1 How to write a helpful peer review report
Probably the most important part of the peer review process, this section digs deep into what it takes to write a peer review report, which will be helpful to the author and ultimately to science.
3.2 The comments to editors and decision recommendations
Continuing your learning on how to write a helpful peer review report, this section discusses the confidential comments you can make to the editor and explains the decision recommendations you can
3.3 How to peer review a review article
Peer review is an essential part of publishing review articles, just like it is for research articles.
4.0 What next?
This final module of the course apprises you of your continued responsibility as a reviewer, and discusses how you can get recognition for your efforts.
Certified Peer Reviewer Course Assessment
Now that you have listened to all our experts, taken notes and are ready to review, it's time to test your knowledge and claim that certificate, of course!Fundamentals of peer review
Peer review is the cornerstone of the scientific publishing process, yet editors face a daily struggle to find researchers willing to review for their journal. In this series of modules, we explain why it is so important to get involved in peer review and the many benefits it can bring. You will hear how carrying out peer review can sharpen your own writing skills and introduce you to some of the movers and shakers in your field. You will learn how you can volunteer, and discover the ethics guidelines you should comply with. Moreover, we explain why there is a move towards making peer review more transparent.
- The many benefits reviewing brings
- Your responsibilities as a reviewer
- Why there is a move towards transparency
Building trust and engagement in peer review
The peer review process depends on the activities of editors, reviewers, and authors for its success.
Diversity in peer review
Why diversity in peer review is central to both academia and your research career.
Why get involved in peer review
Why saying ‘yes’ when an editor asks you to review can boost your research and publishing career.
Ethics responsibilities for peer reviewers
This clear guide to ethics responsibilities for reviewers ensures you can approach your next review with confidence.
Recognizing peer reviewers: A webinar to celebrate editors and researchers
A detailed discussion on the peer review process that will shine new light on the role you can play.
Transparency in peer review
Find out why transparency in peer review is on the rise and how you can get involved.Becoming a peer reviewer
Peer review is a skill, and in this series of modules, we share some tips to help you deliver review reports guaranteed to make any editor smile. We start by explaining the actions you should definitely avoid, from saying yes when you don’t have time to complete a review, to providing biased or unfair statements. We highlight points to consider when looking at each element of the article and explain how to be constructive in your feedback. You will also learn how your reviewing activities can provide an important stepping stone towards becoming a journal editor.
- Common reviewing mistakes
- Tips for writing an effective review
- Insights into how reviewing can boost your career
How to review a manuscript
Top tips for writing a great review report.
10 tips for writing a truly terrible review
Keen to brush up your reviewing skills? We start by explaining what not to do.
How to become a reviewer and what do editors expect?
Want to get involved in peer review? We explain how.
How reviewers become editors
Ambitions to be a journal editor one day? Discover why reviewing is a vital step in that journey.Going through peer review
When you’ve already invested so much time in your manuscript, it’s not always easy to hear that a reviewer thinks it needs more work. In these modules, we provide some useful advice on how to deal with those reviewer comments and keep your submission moving smoothly through the publishing process. You will learn the initial steps you should take, and the correct tone and language to use in your response letter. We also help you see your manuscript through the eyes of an editor and reviewer, so you can spot any shortfalls or mistakes before you submit.
- Practical advice on how to respond to reviewers
- An explanation of what reviewers are looking for
- Tips on looking at your submission with a critical eye
How to respond to reviewers' comments
It’s not easy to receive feedback on your submission but we have plenty of top tips to help you respond.