Peer review is the process where experts from a specific field or discipline evaluate the quality of a peer’s research to assess the validity, quality and often the originality of articles for publication. It is the foundation for safeguarding the quality and integrity of scholarly research.
Enhances quality: It improves the overall quality of research by providing authors with constructive feedback and suggestions for revision.
Identifies errors: Peer reviewers may identify inaccuracies, methodological issues and gaps in reasoning.
Facilitates collaboration: Peer review fosters connections between authors and reviewers, potentially leading to collaborations and further research opportunities.
The peer review process isn’t perfect. Critics highlight that despite peer review, some articles still contain inaccuracies, and many rejected papers find publication elsewhere.
However, these criticisms should be understood within the context of peer review as a human activity. The occasional errors of peer review are not reasons for abandoning the process altogether.
Some of the ways we are seeking to improve the efficiency of the review process include:
Innovating transferable peer review systems to reduce the amount of repeat reviewing
Providing training and best practice guidance to peer reviewers
Improving recognition of the contribution made by reviewers
Visit our Peer Review Process and Types of Peer Review pages for additional detailed information on peer review.
You’ve received or accepted an invitation to review an article. Now the work begins. Here are some guidelines and a step by step guide to help you conduct your peer review.
General and Ethical Guidelines
Step by Step Guide to Reviewing a Manuscript
Tips for Reviewing a Clinical Manuscript
Getting involved in the peer review process can be a highly rewarding experience that can also improve your own research and help to further your career. Learn more about peer review with our guide to peer review.
In short, anyone with expertise in the article's research field can be a reviewer – no matter your career stage. Editors may request assessments of specific aspects, even if the overall topic isn't your specialty. You need enough knowledge to evaluate the manuscript and provide constructive feedback.
There are many ways to become a peer reviewer for a journal, including:
Expressing interest: Reach out to journal editors to inquire about becoming a reviewer. Include an up-to-date CV listing your research areas of expertise.
Recommendation by a peer: Ask a colleague who already reviews for a journal to recommend you.
Networking: Connect with editors and other subject experts at academic conferences and workshops.
Joining professional associations: Membership in relevant organizations can provide opportunities for reviewing and networking.
Working for senior researchers: Senior researchers may delegate peer review duties to you.
Formal peer review mentorship: Some journals provide formal programs providing mentorship from experienced peer reviewers or facilitate collaborative peer review, where multiple reviewers submit a unified report.
If you're new to peer review, don’t worry! Confidence grows with experience.
Seek guidance from experienced colleagues and use resources to learn how to evaluate manuscripts and structure feedback. Finding a mentor and familiarizing yourself with the peer review process will help build your confidence. You can also try our free course, “A Practical Guide to Peer Review for Early Career Researchers,” to start.
Journal editors are often looking to expand their reviewer pool, so there’s demand for your expertise. Keep your Wiley reviewer account and ORCID profile updated with your research areas, peer review activity, publications, grants, positions, and awards to ensure you’re matched with the right papers.