Peer Review in Focus
Peer review is widely regarded as a cornerstone of scientific quality assurance. Alongside grant applications and funding programmes, publications are of particular significance in the research ecosystem. Researchers devote considerable time and effort to reviewing. Although the system is based on the principle of reciprocity, it is evident that it faces several challenges. First, the reviewer pool has not diversified sufficiently in recent years. Second, the burden continues to fall disproportionately on certain groups. Third, existing incentive and reward structures fall short of providing adequate recognition for those who perform this task, especially those who do it well.
Fostering and Acknowledging Peer Review
These issues highlight the urgent need to both expand and diversify the reviewer pool. Early-career researchers, in particular, should be systematically prepared for this role through training and mentoring. At the same time, we must strive to place greater emphasis not only on the quantity of reviews, but on their quality. High-quality peer reviews are intellectual contributions in their own right, and should be valued and acknowledged as such within the scientific community.
Launch of the Berlin Editors Exchange Network (BEE-NET)
An interdisciplinary community dedicated to rethinking and improving peer review, and ultimately strengthening the quality of published science. BEE-NET is a hive for exchange among scientific journal editors in Berlin, focused on fostering collaboration, mentorship, and innovation in editorial practice.
What is BEE-NET?
BEE-NET is a joint initiative of the Peerspectives peer review training program and the Berlin University Alliance Objective 3. It brings together journal editors who are interested in mentoring early-career researchers and creating a collaborative space to share experiences, explore emerging practices, and exchange ideas across scientific disciplines.
Whether it is improving peer review, navigating open science, or piloting new approaches, this network offers a unique chance to connect, reflect, and experiment together.
Join us in shaping the future of rigorous peer review and empowering early-career researchers to participate meaningfully through hands-on training.
What to Expect:
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Editor Exchange: Connect with Berlin-based and (inter)national editors, share experiences, and develop new ideas.
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Peerspectives: Learn about a researcher-led, hands-on training program developed in Berlin for early-career researchers. It offers real group peer reviews guided by experienced editor-mentors, critical insights into publishing, credit for participants’ work, and connections with partner journals. Originally for biomedical sciences, the program is expanding across disciplines. Find out how you and your journal can get involved.
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Toolkit: Access resources and templates to organize your own workshops for training critical peer review skills.
Whether you are an editor looking for community, an experienced reviewer ready to mentor, or a researcher interested in reforming academic publishing – this network is for you. Together, we aim to build a more transparent, inclusive, and rigorous peer review culture. For any questions about BEE-NET or to express your interest in participating, please get in touch.
Join us at the first Editor-Mentor networking event on November 28, 2025. Register now!
Contact
Nele Hofmann
Scientific Coordinator Research Quality
Objective 3 - Advancing Research Quality and Value