An innovative way to broaden the reviewer pool

Can establishing a dedicated community of peer reviewers help address the shortage of quality referees?

With submission rates on the rise, finding reviewers who can meet tight deadlines has become increasingly difficult. Indeed, in last year's editor survey, the most cited concerns were related to “reviewers” and “the reviewing process”. Are you facing a similar challenge for your journal? If so, you are not alone! Happily, some of your peers have explored a nifty solution that could help you, too…

Breaking the cycle

One might have thought that an increasing demand for publications would naturally translate to a commensurate increase in available reviewers. Alas, this isn’t the case. Researchers are stretched thin. Existing reviewers are overburdened and fatigued. And if submission quality drops, so does the enthusiasm level of the referee pool. So how do you respond to this situation?

Co-Editors-in-Chief Miriam Breunig opens in new tab/window and Thomas Rades opens in new tab/window at the European Journal of Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals (EJPB) opens in new tab/window recognized the need to rethink their approach to break the cycle. In doing so, they aimed to explore a long-term solution that went beyond merely increasing the number of reviewers. Their goal was to cultivate a community of dedicated experts who would feel a connection to the journal and its mission. They understood that a sustainable resolution required engaging more thoroughly with the academic community, particularly with early career researchers (ECRs) who are often eager yet overlooked.

Engaging early career researchers

EJPB established a “Young Investigators Board” as part of its editorial team. Early career researchers who were invited to this new Board reviewed one to two papers annually in their area of expertise. The editors hoped that regular reviews would foster a stronger connection between ECRs and the journal, enhancing both engagement and quality.

Encouraging ECRs to submit their work alongside their reviews helped create a reciprocal relationship that greatly benefits the journal and its academic community. The Young Investigators Board also serves as a platform for mentoring and professional development, offering members exposure to the editorial process and skills that will be invaluable as they progress in their careers. Member Inês Catarina Batista Martins opens in new tab/window, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen agrees: “I was … quite honored to be part of it, because it opens possibilities … and also taking part in some of the decisions of what … should be published in the journal.”

Reflecting on the success story

The Young Investigators Board quickly became a success story. “We know this because we know Young Investigators are frequently asked to review, and they are reviewing… It’s very satisfying because the feedback we’re getting is unanimously positive,” comments Thomas.

As of December 2024, the Board had 34 members, all but one of whom have already received invitations to review one or more papers. Twenty members have in fact received five or more invitations to review! On average, reviewers submit their reviews in just eight days. The program is now planning to expand to include researchers from Africa and Brazil.

Exploring additional benefits

Reviews from younger investigators often bring valuable insights, identifying research gaps that may be overlooked by more experienced reviewers. This diversity leads to richer feedback for authors, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. For instance, younger reviewers tend to focus on clarity and comprehensiveness, while their more seasoned peers may prioritize significance and originality. This blend of perspectives creates a more nuanced review process that addresses the needs of both authors and the broader academic community.

Building new strategies for reviewer recruitment

The shortage of qualified reviewers is a shared concern across the academic publishing landscape. So, apart from actively engaging ECRs in your peer review process, what can you do to diversify your reviewer pool?

Consider building a community of reviewers by nurturing their development, providing incentives through recognition and acknowledgment, and fostering a sense of community around your journal, making it a preferred venue for submissions and reviews.

Additionally, you can bolster your strategy with our Find Reviewers tool, which allows you to sift through a vast database of authors to identify the most suitable reviewers for your articles. By assessing potential conflicts of interest and reviewing profiles, you can find the best reviewers for your articles. Check out this list of tips & tricks (even more below) to utilize the tool.

The combination of technology and community engagement is a powerful one: make the most of it!

Further reading

• Supporting you in finding the best reviewer candidates

• Harnessing technology to boost diversity, equity and inclusion in peer review

• Tips & tricks for managing the peer review process with Editorial Manager - Part 3

• Recap and recent enhancements to Find Reviewers