Q: How can I become a peer reviewer?

Thank you for your question! Being a peer reviewer is immensely rewarding not only for your own growth but also to boost your visibility and credibility in the research community. There are several steps you can take to become a peer reviewer, and while there is no one single way to assuredly achieve this, undertaking these activities will definitely get you on your way. Some of these include:  

• Approaching journals directly; many journals are actively seeking peer reviewers or have mentorship programs for early-career researchers looking to expand to this role
• Ensuring your publications are current and that you are actively writing and reading in the field
• Ensuring your profile is findable and up to date, so that journal editors seeking researchers in the field can find you
• Using conferences to network with senior researchers, many of whom may be on journal editorial boards, and with journal editors themselves
• Leveraging membership in academic societies
• Seeking recommendations from colleagues who are already peer reviewers, as many journal editors rely on their existing networks to identify peer reviewers

You can find more information in this resource: How to become a peer reviewer: Tips for early career researchers

We would also encourage you to sign up for Peer Review Week 2021 celebrations by Editage. We’ll be covering topics like becoming an expert peer reviewer and building your identity as a peer reviewer in great detail. Click here to have a look at our exciting line-up of global industry experts and all the other interesting activities we have planned this year!