From grant applications and conference papers to journal publishing, the peer review process is an integral part of your academic career. Here we feature a brief top tips blog post, and a comprehensive introductory guide to all aspects of peer review.

Understanding the approaches to reviewing an article for a journal will help in understanding peer review process. From various types of journal peer review, to conference papers and grant applications, The British Medical Journal has published a free guide aimed at early career researchers. The publication “aims to explain just enough about peer review to enable you to survive and benefit from it, and to be a competent reviewer. It is designed to be a practical handbook, based on evidence and experience but not weighed down with footnotes and references. It is the equivalent of a phrase book that enables you to order a beer, get directions to your hotel, and enjoy your holiday without becoming an expert in literature or linguistics.”
There is also a comprehensive list of other useful resources at the end of the document.
Click here to download the PDF.
How to Write a Peer Review: Six Steps from Start to Finish
For those of you embarking on the peer process Professor Tanya Golash-Boza suggests the following:-
- What to consider when deciding whether or not to accept an invitation to give a peer review;
- How to approach your first read of the article;
- What to consider when you write a brief summary of the article and its contribution;
- What major critical questions you should consider when reviewing the article;
- How to structure your minor criticisms of the article;
- How to approach your completed review.
Click here to read the full blog post.