Scientific peer review is ideally based solely on the merit of the research; in the real world, however, it is susceptible to the inherent bias of editors and reviewers. Traditional peer review is performed behind closed doors and the resulting lack of data has made studying reviewer bias challenging. In fact, bias as a potential weakness in the peer review process was revealed in a systematic study in 1945. Likewise, homophilic bias for institutional affiliation was first recognized in a study in 1961, and recently gender-based homophilic bias was reported by a study in eLife. Bias is perhaps as old as peer review itself, but remains problematic due to the lack of research, awareness, and intervention. 

The community of peer review innovations at ReimagineReview encompass a wide range of initiatives that may encounter new and unique challenges in bias prevention. To enable discussion about identifying and addressing bias in peer review in these new contexts, we’re hosting a community call on Friday August 16th 2019 12:00 E.T.

The call will begin with two 10-minute presentations from leading experts. Dr. Jennifer Raymond (Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University and eLife Reviewing Editor) is an author of a recent study on gender bias at eLife. Dr. Misha Teplitskiy (computational social scientist and Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan) studies peer review bias arising from professional network connection, as reported in this study.

The presentations will be followed by an interactive discussion, emphasizing challenges specific to non-traditional review models, such as open peer review, preprint peer review or post-publication peer review. We’ll touch on issues such as:

• the importance of addressing bias at the publishing level
• highlights in the recent findings in peer review bias
• effective strategies to identify and combat bias
• ongoing research and future perspectives

To join this community call, please register by filling out this form. A recording of the presentations will be accessible after the event.