
"The critique not only made it difficult to work out how she should revise her manuscript on the bioerosion of coral reefs, but also led her to question her abilities and whether she belonged in science at all. "As a twenty-something student, that can have a really big impact on your ability not only to conduct science, but your whole future career," says Silbiger, who now leads her own marine-ecology group at the university."
"Such unacceptable behaviours range from outright bullying of other scientists and personal comments about the authors to mean-spirited or unhelpful remarks without constructive, evidence-based criticism. In 2019, Silbiger and Amber Stubler, a marine ecologist at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, conducted a survey of roughly 1,100 scientists. Some 58% of respondents reported that they had encountered unprofessional peer-review comments. In particular, women, non-binary scientists and people of colour said that the experience had harmed their confidence and productivity and delayed their career advancement."
"Attention to the issue has grown ever since and, fortunately, so have ways to address it. Journals, editors and scientific organizations have begun to explore a range of solutions to prevent bullying during the peer-review process and to hold mean-spirited reviewers accountable. Many scientists are also taking matters into their own hands by pushing back on unprofessional reviews. "There is progress being made, just in small increme"
Unprofessional reviewer feedback, including personal insults, mean-spirited remarks and unhelpful criticism, undermines researchers' ability to revise manuscripts and damages their confidence. A survey of roughly 1,100 scientists found that 58% had encountered unprofessional peer-review comments, with women, non-binary scientists and people of colour reporting harms to confidence, productivity and career progression. Harsh reviews can especially affect early-career researchers, causing doubt about abilities and decisions to leave the field. Journals, editors and scientific organizations are beginning to explore solutions to prevent bullying in peer review and to hold mean-spirited reviewers accountable. Many scientists are also pushing back on unprofessional reviews as part of gradual progress toward more professional peer-review practices.
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