Module 13: Navigating Peer Review

Summary

Peer-reviewed publication is the primary output currency of the research community. Two reasons are that peer review is an essential quality control mechanism, and that peer-reviewed publication expands the domain of prospective impact of one’s research. Each of those reasons is especially valuable for policy-oriented research. But the peer review process can be opaque for researchers inexperienced with the system. How does one target an appropriate journal? What and how does one submit a paper for peer review? How does one best respond to invitations to revise and resubmit? And when the tables turn and one is asked to review a paper for a journal, or a grant proposal for a funding agency, what are best practices? In this training session, Chris Barrett, a well-published scholar who has served as editor of multiple leading journals, will help unpack the process and provide insights based on his experience.

Overall Webinar Objective

Enhance researchers' aptitude and confidence in navigating the peer-reviewed journal system as a paper author or reviewer.

Specific Objectives

  • Identify best bet approaches to identify an appropriate journal to which to submit research for peer-reviewed publication.
  • Understand how to prepare materials for initial submission to maximize the chances of getting reviews rather than a desk rejection.
  • Learn how to prepare responses to reviewers and to an editor when invited to revise and resubmit a manuscript.
  • Recognize best practices in providing a constructive peer review.

Webinar Leader

Chris Barrett, Cornell University

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