Why serve as a peer reviewer?
Peer review ensures the robustness of the scientific literature and by extension science itself. As such it is an integral part of the scientific processes. As your career advances, you are likely to be asked to serve as a peer reviewer.
As well as supporting the advancement of science, and providing guidance on how the author can improve their paper, there are also some benefits of peer reviewing to you as a researcher:
- Serving as a peer reviewer looks good on your CV as it shows that your expertise is recognized by other scientists.
- You will get to read some of the latest science in your field well before it is in the public domain.
- The critical thinking skills needed during peer review will help you in your own research and writing.