Episode 8: Reviewing papers

Peer review is, for now, an essential part of the scientific process. Writing a good peer review is not easy, and we feel it’s rarely formally taught. We get no feedback on the process, so it’s difficult to learn. Listen to Jess and Sara talk about how they decide when to say yes to a review (and when to say no), how to schedule them into your work week so you don’t lose track, and what your job is as the reviewer. We also give some suggestions on how to get started reviewing, and how to ask to be on an editorial board. References we should have talked about in this episode: PLoS one has a nice description. This came out in 2007 but is still relevant: Twelve tips for reviewing a paper, and also always read the individual journal’s guidelines, some want different information than others. And some that we did mention: Yourpapersucks and the submission page. Here’s Publons, the non-dinosaur way to keep track of peer reviews. Connect with the podcast on twitter @within_between, or email us letters about developmental science at [email protected]. More episodes and podcast information at WithinandBetweenPod.com. Follow Dr. Hart on twitter @Saraannhart Follow Dr. Logan on twitter @Jarlogan. Our theme music was composed by Jason Flowers. Our logo was created by Nathan Archer. This is Episode 8. It was recorded on July 30th, 2020