Peer review and the International Urogynecology Journal

Excerpt

Peer review is critical to ensure the quality of scientific publications. Since its inception, the International Urogynecology Journal has relied on peer review from the international community in order to improve our journal and ensure that only high-quality research and reviews are published in it. At its best, peer review is the frank and honest appraisal of the merit and validity of scientific writings. Through peer review, editors determine if work is worthy of publication, and authors are given valuable feedback on how to improve their work. Reviewing takes considerable time and energy. A good review comments on the strengths and weaknesses of a submission and suggests ways in which to improve the work. Peer reviewers should refrain from promoting their own personal research agendas and reveal when conflicts of interest exist. While peer reviewers play an essential role in the review process, they should refrain from offering an opinion as to whether or not a work is worthy of publication, as acceptance or rejection of manuscripts is at the discretion of editors. …