Reviewers play an essential part in science, and in scholarly publishing. For more than 300 years, scientists and scholars have relied upon peer review to validate research, engage other specialists in the support of submitted work, and increase networking possibilities within specific specialist communities.
Although in recent years the peer review process has attracted some criticism, it remains the only widely accepted method for research validation and a cornerstone of the scientific publishing process.
Elsevier, like most scientific publishing companies, relies on effective peer review processes to not only uphold the quality and validity of individual articles, but also the overall integrity of the journals we publish.
Why Reviewers Review
Most reviewers are authors, researchers, or sometimes, editors in their own right. The peer review process allows these authors and editors an opportunity to use and develop their own expertise in a number of significant ways.
By assessing the quality and validity of another author’s work, within the same area of expertise, a reviewer:
Upholds the integrity of the journal, by identifying invalid research, as well as helping to maintain the quality standards of the journal;
Fulfils a sense of duty to the scientific community and their own area of concentration;
Establishes relationships with reputable journals, and may also increase his/her opportunity to be invited to join an Editorial Board;
Reciprocates the same courtesy shown to him/her when other reviewers review his own authored works;
Establishes his/her expertise in and knowledge of the field;
Increases his/her reputation and exposure in the field;
Stays up to date and “in the loop” with respect to his/her discipline’s literature;
Has access to the very latest research and discoveries in the field prior to colleagues;
Learns about his/her discipline as well as exercising the critical thinking skills essential to the practice of science.
Many of our journals' Guide for Authors contain information about the peer review policy and have important information on aims and scope of the journal, which will be useful for reviewers
