Supporting the Next Generation of Researchers: GENETICS Peer Review Training Program

Abstract

A lack of formal peer review training hinders the development of the next generation of peer reviewers. In 2018, the Genetics Society of America launched a formal program to help early career researchers improve their peer review skills in a live journal environment with direct feedback from editors. This article summarizes the history, operation, and some outcomes of the program. It is no secret that peer review training is both varied and informal.1 A 2015 survey by Wiley2 showed that 35% of respondents obtained peer review training as advice from supervisors or colleagues, 32% from a journal’s instructions for reviewers, and 18% from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)’s ethical guidelines. Publon’s 2018 Global State of Review found that 39.4% of survey respondents received no peer review training and that 80% believe more training would positively impact peer review.3 This lack of training is not indicative of a lack of interest in the peer review process. When asked, 77% of respondents indicated they would like to receive further reviewer training, and for respondents with 5 or fewer years of reviewing experience, the interest jumped to 89%.2 This finding is echoed in Sense about Science’s 2009 and 2019 surveys of peer review.4 COPE’s Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers5 dedicates a section to training and mentoring that encourages early career researchers to take advantage of free tutorials available online, such as those provided by Publons or Sense about Science. While online modules already available to peer reviewers provide a wealth […]