Peer Review

Peer review is a cornerstone of scholarly research, ensuring the quality, integrity, and credibility of academic work. Engaging in peer review is both a responsibility and a privilege, requiring adherence to ethical standards such as confidentiality, objectivity, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. This section provides guidance on the principles and best practices of ethical peer review, helping researchers contribute constructively to the advancement of knowledge while upholding the highest standards of research integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Researchers involved in peer review are responsible for:

  • Maintaining Confidentiality: Respecting the confidentiality of all materials under review and not sharing information or using ideas prior to publication.

  • Providing Objective and Fair Evaluations: Offering unbiased, constructive, and respectful feedback, free from personal or professional conflicts.

  • Declaring Conflicts of Interest: Disclosing any real or perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise the impartiality of the review.

  • Ensuring Timeliness: Completing reviews promptly and communicating any anticipated delays.

  • Protecting Intellectual Property: Recognizing that all submitted materials are the intellectual property of the authors and must be treated accordingly.

Best Practices

  • Evaluate submissions based solely on scientific merit, originality, clarity, and relevance.

  • Provide clear, specific, and constructive comments aimed at improving the work.

  • Avoid personal criticism or language that is inflammatory or disrespectful.

  • Refrain from using privileged information obtained during the review process for personal or professional gain.

  • Recuse yourself from the review if you cannot provide an unbiased assessment.

Ethical Concerns in Peer Review

Unethical behavior in peer review can include breaches of confidentiality, failure to disclose conflicts of interest, plagiarism, or using ideas or data without permission. Such actions undermine the research community and can lead to institutional disciplinary action.

Resources and Support

The university offers training and resources on ethical peer review practices. Researchers are encouraged to participate in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training sessions and consult the Research Compliance Office (RCO) for additional guidance on maintaining ethical standards in the peer review process.