18 September 2019
Continuing the Peer Review Week celebrations with another reviewer interview, Emeritus Prof Ayhan Dinc (Gülhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey) has completed over 90 reviews for Rheumatology to date. Here is his take on peer review.
Undertaking peer review allows you to follow the current work in your field, and is a great opportunity to understand the scientific level of this work.
When conducting a review, first look for a clear title. Check whether the manuscript focuses on the original information found in the study. Look for comments on the implications of the findings; these comments should not be very long. Be wary of studies that offer endless ‘probable’ limitations in order to limit criticism of the methods.
Remember that the manuscript is the work of the authors; reviewers should not have to work hard to find novel comments in the manuscript.
Every study aims to offer new ideas within its limitations, so it is important to make an effort to deliver your comments with this in mind. Respect is a very important part of successful communication in peer review.
What would be your top tips for new peer reviewers? We’d love to know! Join us on Twitter @RheumJnl and @RheumatologyUK, and don’t forget to use #PeerRevWk19.