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Press Release: IOP Publishing [November 14, 2023]

IOP Publishing unveils industry-leading feedback system for reviewers

IOP Publishing (IOPP) is now offering peer reviewers feedback on their reviewer reports to enhance the quality of peer review and to strengthen best practice in the physical sciences.

IOPP have rolled out the new programme on an opt-in basis across all its proprietary journals. Where reviewers opt-in for feedback on their report, IOPP will share a numerical evaluation of how useful the report was to the in-house editors on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being outstanding and 1 indicating that the report is not suitable to inform a decision. Reviewers can then see constructive information about the structure and usefulness of the reports which explains the evaluation.

A survey which included insights from over 1,200 researchers who have reviewed, or been invited to review, with IOPP shows that feedback on their reviewer reports would improve their peer review experience, whether that is being notified about the final decision on the paper or receiving information about the quality of their report. In particular, the results show that feedback on the quality of reports is most valued by early career researchers, where this feedback can be invaluable in developing their research skills.

The launch follows a successful trial of the programme across three IOP Publishing journals, including Engineering Research Express, Environmental Research Letters, and Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion. Over 85% of reviewers involved in the trial indicated that receiving feedback on their report was useful or very useful. Over 2,700 reviewers have already opted in to receive feedback on their reports since IOPP extended the programme to all its proprietary journals in September.

Laura Feetham, Reviewer Engagement Manager at IOPP, says: "The work of our peer review experts is crucial to the advancement of science, and yet reviewers rarely (if ever) receive feedback from editors about the quality of their reports and to what extent they influenced the editorial decision. We wanted to change this on behalf of our peer review communities. Now our reviewers can opt-in to be given an honest evaluation of their report, straight from the editor. Our hope is that this will improve transparency in the peer review system and help early-career researchers to build their peer review skillset."

The introduction of reviewer feedback is the latest in a series of peer review innovations at IOPP, which include a new co-review policy, and the Peer Review Excellence programme. Researchers interested in becoming part of the IOPP community of reviewers can find out more here.

About IOP Publishing  

IOP Publishing is a society-owned scientific publisher, delivering impact, recognition, and value to the scientific community. Its purpose is to expand the world of physics, offering a portfolio of journals, eBooks, conference proceedings and science news resources globally. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute of Physics, a not-for-profit society, IOP Publishing supports the Institute's work to inspire people to develop their knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of physics. Go to http://ioppublishing.org or follow us @IOPPublishing.    

IOP Publishing contact: cait.cullen@ioppublishing.org

About peer review at IOP Publishing:

Peer review plays an essential role in maintaining quality across scientific scholarly communications. At IOP Publishing, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality peer review experience, with more than 60 staff across our global offices dedicated to managing the peer review process, allowing reviewers and board members to concentrate on the science. We are committed to providing a fair and impartial review process, and to providing the fastest possible service to authors.


Summary: IOP Publishing is now offering peer reviewers feedback on their reviewer reports to enhance the quality of peer review and to strengthen best practice in the physical sciences. IOPP have rolled out the new programme on an opt-in basis across all its proprietary journals. Where reviewers opt-in for feedback on their report, IOPP will share a numerical evaluation of how useful the report was to the in-house editors on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being outstanding and 1 indicating that the report is not suitable to inform a decision. Reviewers can then see constructive information about the structure and usefulness of the reports which explains the evaluation.
Publication Year:2023
Type of Material:Press Release
LanguageEnglish
Date Issued:November 14, 2023
Publisher:IOP Publishing
Company: IOP Publishing
Permalink: https://librarytechnology.org/pr/29500/iop-publishing-unveils-industry-leading-feedback-system-for-reviewers-

DocumentID: 29500 views: 1044 Created: 2023-11-14 03:38:31 Last Modified: 2024-11-24 12:47:04.