Understanding the true purpose of peer review

Peer Review Week 2022 is here. During 19-23 September, we will be initiating new conversations on this crucial assessment process. This year’s theme is research integrity. Why is peer review key to strengthening research integrity? How does it demonstrate the true impact and validity of your insightful work? And, most importantly, how does peer review build trust in our community of incredible chemical scientists?

Peer Review Week 2022 will see scientists, institutions and organisations from around the globe gather virtually to contemplate and discuss the essential role of peer review. This online and community-led event reinforces how peer review is critical to trustworthy scholarly communications.

Community views on how peer review builds trust

Peer review supports research integrity by upholding best practices and capitalizing on the expert knowledge of peers. With transparent peer reviewing rolling out in more and more journals, peer review is becoming an even more effective tool to guarantee solid work and fairness towards the authors.

Volker Presser, Energy Advances Editor-in-Chief

Peer review supports research integrity by consulting with diverse referees who are best suited to provide evidence-based, trustworthy and objective report on the scientific novelty, significance, and correctness. A competent and fair peer review process is of paramount importance in guaranteeing the publication of high-quality and reliable research.

Renzhi Ma, Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances Associate Editor

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I trust the research published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journals because all the manuscripts undergo rigorous and fair evaluation involving proficient editorial board members and expert reviewers. With strict policies and guidelines set in place by RSC, a high standard is always secured.

I’m also proud to contribute to the Royal Society of Chemistry journals because the experience helps me gain more recognition. It keeps me at the forefront of my research field and actively engage with my fellow scientists.

The peer review process is vital to ensure the integrity of the research that is published. This ensures that there is trust and confidence by the community in work that is published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Karen Faulds, RSC Advances Co-Editor-in-Chief

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I am proud to contribute to Royal Society Chemistry journals because I have trust and confidence in the rigour of their peer review process. They have also led the community in identifying gender bias in peer review to ensure it is both fair and inclusive.

As a Society publisher, high-quality, peer-reviewed publications and serving the chemistry community are their main aims, rather than profit. 

How can I get involved?

This week will be full of activities and conversations. We will be sharing stories about peer review including those that highlight how peer review supports the integrity of discoveries.

You can start getting involved by following #PeerReviewWeek22 on Twitter and visiting our @RoySocChem profile. We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Where can I learn more about peer review?

We answer some of your most-asked questions on peer review in our new video series. These include tips and information from the Royal Society of Chemistry executive editors.

Watch peer review tips from RSC executive editors

 

You can also learn more about peer review at the Royal Society of Chemistry in our latest infographic and by visiting our peer review hub.

How can we raise the bar for great science?

As a Royal Society of Chemistry peer reviewer, you can play your part in making sure that the scientific record is accurate, comprehensive, and trustworthy. Your contribution is integral to getting great science into the world.

Find out more about becoming an RSC peer reviewer.

Journals, books & databases

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