DANIEL BUENOThe guidelines presented by Cope—which currently has over 7,600 members from 80 countries, including representatives from the largest publishers, such as Elsevier, Springer and Wiley-Blackwell— include the recommendation that publications ensure that their reviewers work constructively, respecting confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest. The committee also emphasizes the prohibition against using information obtained during the review to benefit oneself or others, or as a way to discredit the author of the paper.
In a note, project coordinator Irene Hames, a biologist and editor-in-chief of the committee’s quarterly newsletter, said that while about 1.8 million articles are published each year, in approximately 28,000 academic publications, “reviewers often do not have a guide outlining good review practices, which makes it difficult for them to fulfill their ethical obligations.”
The guide defines specific guidelines for each stage of the process. For example, before starting to review, the researcher must declare any potentially conflicting or competing interests (personal, financial, professional, political or religious) that may interfere with their review. If this occurs, the reviewer must notify the editor. One of the recommendations states that the reviewer may not ask subordinates to help with a review, including younger researchers just starting their careers, without first obtaining permission from the journal.
The names of those who helped in the process should be included in the response to the author, for them to receive proper credit. When preparing the report, the review should focus on suggestions to improve the manuscript, and always avoid making personal comments and accusations.
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