Journals are contending with a growing lack of peer reviewers: Editorial

Advances in Health Sciences Education editor and University of Calgary Professor Rachel H Ellaway has penned an article on the “ever-growing struggle in securing sufficient peer reviewers” faced by academic journals across disciplines. This struggle stems from multiple factors—including a shrinking, exhausted academic workforce and the barriers posed by technology and process—which may be beyond the control of academic journals. The author highlights some of the proposed solutions and their risks; for example, financial remuneration for reviewers may create conflicts of interest and higher publishing costs. “I thank those who do review frequently, and I would encourage those who do not do so to lean in a little more to this necessary labour,” concludes Ellaway.

AHSE