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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 …

Assistant Editor Triage Before Peer Review: A Practical Response to the Reviewer Shortage Crisis in the AI Era  Read More »

Lizi Dawes, CEO, PA EDitorial Last year, when I first stepped into the ALPSP Conference, I walked in not quite knowing what to expect, and found myself in a room full of people who spoke the same language of publishing pressures and possibilities. It felt less like a conference and more like a check-in; a …

The Developing Role of Peer Review Management Companies in the Age of AI-Powered Research Integrity Tools Read More »

When the first serious conversations about artificial intelligence (AI) in peer review began, my instinct was the same as many people’s: curiosity, mixed with a healthy dose of scepticism. It wasn’t that I doubted the technology could do impressive things – it’s that I’ve been in academic publishing long enough to know that impressive is …

What Leading Through AI Integration Has Taught Me About Peer Review Read More »

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 …

Sweet Science: A Timely Cocoa Conundrum Read More »

Plagiarism – it’s a term that strikes fear into the hearts of us all, yet it often lurks in the shadows, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting. It’s the academic equivalent of a bad hair day; no matter how hard we try to disguise it, it’s out there, and someone is bound to notice. Plagiarism …

Plagiarism: From Salami Slicing to Wearing Odd Socks Read More »

Women in science are not only pioneers of innovation but also key drivers of progress in solving the world’s most pressing challenges. From medical breakthroughs to climate solutions and technological advancements, their influence shapes the future of our societies and economies. Historically, however, women’s contributions to science were often overlooked or even attributed to their …

Brains, Bunsen Burners, and Brilliance: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science Read More »

Every December (before we begin to indulge in a liberal decline of self-discipline and festive singing), the good people at Oxford Languages emerge from their lexicographical lair to crown one unsuspecting word (often plucked from the trenches of memes, politics, or the chaos of everyday life) as the ‘Word of the Year’. Some may consider …

The Oxford Word of the Year: An annual ritual as quintessentially British as a nice hot cuppa on a drizzly afternoon Read More »