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 »
With automation reshaping so many aspects of publishing, I believe the role of experienced peer review support has never been more critical. Technology can help – it can streamline and scale, but it can’t replace editorial judgement, and it can’t earn trust. Why the People Matter The teams with deep, consistent experience are the ones …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 »
