IOPP celebrates Peer Review Week

IOP Publishing (IOPP) has announced it is celebrating Peer Review Week, and is raising awareness of the importance of constructive, respectful peer review feedback and how innovations can help to create a positive peer review culture. The campaign shares examples of unhelpful reviews received by researchers early in their careers through a short video and highlights the emotional toll of such feedback. It then contrasts these hurtful comments with their impressive academic achievements.

Laura Feetham-Walker, IOPP’s reviewer engagement manager, explained: “With this video, we aim to draw attention to the importance of professional and constructive peer reviews. Too many researchers encounter comments that are not only non-constructive and upsetting but can also hinder their progress."

IOP Publishing says it continues to champion professionalism in peer review through initiatives like its free Peer Review Excellence training and certification program, specifically designed for early-career researchers in the physical sciences. This program equips reviewers with the skills to provide constructive feedback while recognising their contributions through IOP’s Trusted Reviewer status.

IOPP states that it has introduced several innovations to make the review process more transparent and inclusive, such as co-review, double-anonymous peer review, transparent peer review, and offering reviewers the option to receive feedback on their reports. The publisher says these initiatives aim to make the peer review process more supportive and respectful for all researchers.