Behind the Scenes: Reflections on Being a Peer Reviewer for Scientific Journals

Peer review is an essential process in science publishing. In this process reviewers are invited by the editors of the scientific journals to assess the quality of a scientific manuscript. These reviewers are experts in the field that the manuscript in consideration belongs to. It is a quality control process where the peer reviewers assess the methodology employed in the research, the accuracy and validity of the results, the significance of the findings as well as check if there can be any ethical issues in the research. It is also a good way to receive constructive criticism and suggestions from the reviewers that usually makes the research and the manuscript better.

Over the last couple of years, I have been invited to review manuscripts for major scientific journals and conferences. Some of these include IEEE conference on data mining, Computers in Biology and Medicine, Journal of Medical Internet Research, and Computers, materials and Continua.

Here, I would like to share my experience as a peer-reviewer.

We start first with what I like and the reasons I participate in this process.

1. Contribution to scientific advancement : I strongly believe in the strength of scientific research and that can only be bolstered with a strong peer-review process. This is because science builds on the previous scientific research. Thus, if a manuscript comes up for a review which I believe is in my zone of expertise, I am happy to review it.

2. Keeps you updated with the current research in the field : As you have access to the latest research, this becomes obvious that you stay updated with whats going on the field. Also, while reviewing the manuscript you also spend time in educating yourself more about other advancements in the field.

3. Keeps you sharp : This not only builds your muscle to critically analyze the research but also builds your scientific writing skills. Additionally, you develop the skill of how to give constructive criticism in an amiable way that can improve the quality of the research.

Next, there are few things that are not-so loving sides of the peer-review service.

1. Time-consuming : Reading the manuscript, criticially analyzing it, if needed reading other related scientific research that may help in reviewing the given manuscript, and finally writing the review needs time commitment. It can easily take from a couple of hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the manuscript.

2. Unpaid service : Peer-review is a voluntary unpaid service, for which reviewers are not financially compensated. You spend a lot of time and expertise for this free work.

My final thoughts : As a firm believer in scientific advancement, if I have time and expertise in the field of the manuscript, I will be happy to provide my service as a peer-reviewer.