Empowering Early Career Researchers through co-reviewing

Peer review is essential for ensuring research quality and scientific rigour; however, it has its shortcomings. Reviewer fatigue and a limited pool of reviewers selected by editors can undermine the sustainability of peer review and erode trust in the process. Overcoming these challenges requires new review methods, and co-reviewing is an effective approach that can be integrated into existing peer review processes.

In the following blog post, we outline what co-reviewing is and how early career researchers can use it to further their career progression.

What is co-reviewing?

Co-reviewing is a collaborative approach to peer review that addresses challenges in the traditional system, such as reviewer fatigue and limited diversity in the reviewer pool. It involves two or more academics collaborating to evaluate a Research Article and produce a peer review report. This process allows reviewers to combine their expertise, ensuring a more complete assessment of the article’s strengths and weaknesses.

Co-reviewing often means pairing a senior researcher with an early career researcher (ECR). The collaboration typically begins with both reviewers reading the article. The ECR drafts the initial report, which the senior researcher then reviews and refines. Often, this division of work not only enhances the quality of the review but also provides ECRs with valuable insight into the peer review process. By sharing responsibilities, co-reviewing reduces the workload for senior researchers while creating opportunities for ECRs to contribute more actively to academic publishing.

This model is designed to improve the efficiency and inclusivity of peer review, offering a structured way for researchers at different career stages to work together and learn from one another.

Benefits of co-reviewing for Early Career Researchers

Co-reviewing provides early career researchers (ECRs) with unique opportunities to develop essential academic skills and gain recognition for their contributions. By working alongside senior researchers, ECRs receive mentorship that helps them refine their abilities in critical thinking, analysis, and academic writing. This practical experience prepares them for future challenges in publishing and research assessment.

A significant advantage of co-reviewing is the formal acknowledgment of ECR contributions. Traditionally, many ECRs have informally assisted with peer review, yet their efforts often go unnoticed. A 2019 study found that 73% of ECRs co-authored peer-review reports without being the invited reviewer, and nearly half were not credited for their work. Co-reviewing addresses this issue by ensuring all contributors are named on reports, with each report assigned a DOI for citation. This recognition enhances their academic profiles and supports career progression.

Additionally, co-reviewing offers ECRs insight into the peer review process, helping them navigate their own publication experiences more effectively. By participating in this collaborative model, ECRs not only gain practical skills but also build confidence and establish themselves within the academic community.

Co-reviewing at HRB Open Research

HRB Open Research offers ECRs the opportunity to co-review as a way to enhance the peer review process while fostering collaboration and inclusivity. In HRB Open Research’s fully transparent peer review model, all reviewers are named on peer review reports, and this can be linked to ORCID profiles. In addition, each report is assigned a DOI so the review can be cited. This ensures that ECRs receive credit for their work, validating their contributions and supporting their career development. By adopting co-reviewing, HRB Open Research is creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient peer review system that benefits researchers at all career stages.

If you’d like to be part of this process, you can find out more about peer review at HRB Open Research.

If you’d like to benefit from this peer review approach for your own work, find out more about publishing your HRB-funded work with the Platform.