The results of a recent survey to appear in Learned Publishing highlight how the peer review process - when research is evaluated by experts before it is published - might be improved to better support reviewers who lend their time and expertise. Key findings from the study include the need for additional training and increased recognition for peer reviewers.
Global publishing company Wiley undertook this study in order to identify support gaps and provide recommendations. Almost 3,000 respondents from 115 countries and all major subject areas participated in the survey. The aim of this study was to explore the reviewer experience and delve into recognition and training needs of reviewers. There was a particular focus on how these needs may differ by region and career stage.
An analysis of responses to the survey revealed that 77% of respondents are interested in receiving further reviewer training; most peer review training comes from journal guidelines or advice from supervisors or colleagues; reviewers believe that reviewing should carry more weight in their institutions' evaluation process; reviewers would rather receive feedback and recognition from journals over financial rewards; journal rank is important to potential reviewers; and there is a need to increase the reviewer pool especially in high-growth and emerging regions of the world and among early career researchers.
One recommendation from the study was to establish centrally funded reviewer training programs. The demand both at the individual and institutional level creates opportunities for publishers to provide these services and become valuable partners for research institutions in emerging markets. The article points to a set of core competencies as has been previously advocated, as a potential framework for such programs.
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