How to review an academic paper

Tips that are shared by my lab mates during a lab workshop:

Initial Assessment

Begin by skimming through the paper to gain a general understanding of its content and context. This initial reading will help you formulate your thoughts and approach to the review. A fundamental question to consider before diving deeper is: What is the contribution of this work? Assess whether the contribution is relevant to the venue where the paper is submitted.

Types of Reviewers

Reviewers can generally be categorized into two types based on their feedback style:

1. Detail-Oriented Reviewers: These reviewers provide extensive feedback, often including a laundry list of minor suggestions. While thorough, this approach can overwhelm authors.
2. Big-Picture Reviewers: These reviewers focus on 3-5 major points that capture the essence of the paper. This method can be more beneficial for authors, as it directs attention to the most significant aspects of their work.

Notes to the Editors

Including notes to the editors can enhance the review process. These notes help contextualize your feedback and clarify any ambiguities regarding the paper's relevance to the venue. If there are specific methods or theories used in the paper that you are unfamiliar with, it is acceptable to acknowledge this in your review. This transparency can help explain why certain aspects were not addressed.

Handling Subsequent Rounds of Review

When engaging in multiple rounds of review, aim to avoid introducing new issues unless they are critical. If other reviewers have identified problems that you did not notice but believe are important, acknowledge them in your feedback. The goal of a revise and resubmit (R&R) should be to enhance the paper rather than merely correct minor errors. Authors are expected to catch and revise obvious mistakes before submission.

Learning from Published Reviews

Reading reviews published alongside papers in reputable forums like Nature and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) can provide valuable insights into effective reviewing practices. These examples can serve as a guide for structuring your own reviews.

The Role of Peer Review

Ultimately, conducting a peer review is a service to the academic community. Your reviews are noticed and can impact your credibility as a researcher. By providing thoughtful and constructive feedback, you contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of scholarly work.
In conclusion, writing an effective peer review involves a careful assessment of the paper's contributions, a focus on major points, and clear communication with both authors and editors. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the quality of your reviews and support the growth of the academic community.