The mechanics of peer review have changed many times over the last half-century, but arguably, its purpose hasn’t. Journals still rely on the same underlying idea: independent experts examine research before it becomes part of the scholarly record. The process is designed to protect credibility, test claims, and maintain a shared standard of rigour. This …
In the year 2000, peer review was already deeply embedded in scholarly publishing, but the way it was practised reflected a very different set of assumptions about time, labour, and visibility. Manuscripts arrived physically or by email. Anonymisation was often done by hand. Corrections involved paper copies, Tippex, and careful retyping. And although editorial oversight …
From peer review to performance management, feedback systems shape what gets corrected, what gets ignored, and what is allowed to persist. When those systems weaken – or are quietly automated – the consequences extend far beyond individual reactions. Providing feedback is often described as a ‘soft’ skill that good leaders and good reviewers should master. …
Why Feedback Matters: Trust, Scrutiny, and the Cost of Getting It Wrong Read More »
Artificial intelligence (AI) has driven a paradigm shift in scholarly publications. These profound changes have impacted all stakeholders in this community – the authors, readers, and publishers. As the AI era was dawning very early in this decade, I was already deeply involved in the scholarly publishing industry. At that time, I was working as …
Research Output in the AI Era: Some Perspectives of the Scholarly Publishing Community Read More »
Transparent peer review has become the industry’s latest approach towards openness – a promise that publishing decisions are no longer made behind closed doors. But as more journals adopt it, the question isn’t only how it works; it’s what it really changes for editors, reviewers, and authors inside the system. For most of its history, …
When the Curtains Open: What Transparent Peer Review Really Changes Read More »
Sarah Hands, Operations Manager, PA EDitorial The shortage of qualified peer reviewers is not new, but the ‘crisis’ is intensifying. Rising international research output, increasing expectations for fast turnaround of manuscripts, and limited recognition for reviewers have all contributed to ‘reviewer fatigue’. Now, the rapid adoption of AI tools in research and writing is adding further …
Ask most people what they think of peer review, and you’ll hear a mix of respect and realism. It sits at the very heart of academic publishing – a powerful way to uphold rigour and advance knowledge. But it’s also demanding. Authors may wait months for feedback. Reviewers tackle intricate analyses alongside their own research. …
How Is AI (Really) Changing Peer Review: And Do Humans Still Matter? Read More »
In academic writing, clarity isn’t just desirable, it’s also essential. Researchers are expected to communicate their findings with precision, and often, the most effective way to do that is through figures. Charts, graphs, diagrams, and images aren’t merely supporting materials but are fundamental core components of the argument. Whether we’re presenting clinical trial results, statistical …
Seeing Is Understanding: The Essential Role of Figures in Academic Research Read More »
Academic journals are widely regarded as the primary sources of scholarly knowledge, upholding rigorous research standards in publication. However, after all the research is completed, one crucial yet sometimes overlooked aspect of the publication process is the thorough application of journal style guides and the journal’s technical checks. While these things may seem like bureaucratic hurdles, they serve …
Academic Journals: The Reasons Behind Style Guides and Technical Checks Read More »
Easter – the time of year when we celebrate renewal, rebirth, daffodils, bunnies and, most importantly, our ability to consume an unreasonable amount of chocolate in a short space of time without judgment, specifically chocolate shaped like an egg or, even better, a bunny. We already know that chocolate – the delicious concoction – comforts …
