Editor’s Note: Today’s post is by Laura Feetham-Walker. Laura is Reviewer Engagement Manager at IOP Publishing.

“Too many researchers encounter comments that are not only non-constructive and upsetting but can also hinder their progress”, says Laura Feetham-Walker, Reviewer Engagement Manager at IOP Publishing (IOPP). That’s why IOPP has created a short video that draws attention to the importance of professional and constructive peer reviews.

Marking Peer Review Week, IOP Publishing asked leading researchers to share examples of unhelpful reviews received early in their careers highlighting the emotional toll of such feedback.

Here’s what they had to say, and what Editors can do to combat this harmful behavior.

Laura Feetham-Walker

Laura Feetham-Walker is Reviewer Engagement Manager at IOP Publishing. She has over 13 years’ experience in scholarly publishing, working at The Lancet and BMJ before moving to IOP Publishing. Laura works on innovations that future-proof peer review, ensure that reviewers are recognized and rewarded for their work, and safeguard the integrity of the scientific record. These innovations include the launch of IOP Trusted Reviewer status, a comprehensive peer review training program, and co-review, among others.

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