Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Faculty of Life Sciences

Trainer: Dr. Brian Cusack, Science Craft

Date: 06 & 07 November 2023, 9.30-17.30 Uhr

Format: In presence in Invalidenstraße 42, Berlin

Target group: All doctoral candidates from all research fields of our Faculty

Course language: English

Description:

Peer Review is the foundation of the scientific method, providing quality control for published research findings. Learning to write and respond to reviewers' comments are vital skills for early career researchers to master if they wish to become established scientists. However, these skills are often neglected, forcing researchers to learn them by trial and error.

By learning to address reviewers' comments, young researchers not only increase their chances of getting published but also learn to think critically about their own research. Equally, by becoming better reviewers, researchers can raise their profiles with journal editors and enhance their academic reputation.

This workshop guides you through the peer review process using a practical approach that explores the roles of the author, the reviewer and the editor. Following the workshop, as an author you will be able to engage the interest of the journal editor with a cover letter. You will also be skilled in responding comprehensively and courteously to reviewers' comments. As a future reviewer, you will know how to critically evaluate a research article and to phrase criticism in a constructive review that benefits the scientific process.

Participants learn how to:

• Understand and appreciate the roles of the author, reviewer and journal editor.
• Select the best journal for their research and spark the interest of the editor with an engaging cover letter.
• Respond comprehensively and courteously to the reviews.
• Evaluate a research article and phrase criticism constructively.
• Enhance their scientific reputations among journal editors by becoming better reviewers.

The 2 days workshop will take place on 06 & 07 November 2023. However, participants are also asked to take time to prepare for the course. Dr Brian Cusack will send preparation material a few days before the workshop. Moreover, as homework, participants evaluate a short manuscript describing a fictional research project of general interest.

Registration

Family room

A family room is available at Luisenstraße 56. You or the person looking after your child(ren) are welcome to use the room for the duration of the workshop. If you are interested, please note this in the registration form or send an email to graduiertenzentrum.lewi@hu-berlin.de.

Accessibility

The workshop is open to all doctoral candidates of the Faculty of Life Sciences. Of course, this also applies to disabled doctoral candidates and those with limited mobility. Access to the workshop room in Invalidenstraßw 42 is barrier-free. If the workshop should take place in room 123 at Invalidenstraße 56, you would have to overcome 3 steps.

If you have any needs that would make it easier for you to access and participate in the workshop, please write this to graduiertenzentrum.lewi@hu-berlin.de.