This year, the ASHA Journals will once again be taking part in Peer Review Week, a worldwide recognition of the importance of peer review in maintaining the quality of scientific articles. This year’s Peer Review Week is themed around Diversity in Peer Review. Peer review staff hope to raise awareness of issues such as the gender gap in authorship, underrepresented minorities and country bias, and the inclusion of early-career researchers in peer review.
Currently, 17% of editorial board members and 12% of editors across ASHA’s four Journals are internationally based. The total number of internationally based editors has risen 33% over the past 5 years, while the number of internationally based reviewers has held steady at just over 20%. Reviewers and editors come from 10 different countries on four continents, including places such as Australia, England, and China. ASHA Journals are working to ensure this upward trend will continue in 2019 and beyond.
Additionally, in 2018 ASHA sent editors to 13 international conferences in order to spread information on publishing with ASHA or participating as a reviewer. These conferences are great opportunities to seek out new contributors who may not otherwise be reached by the ASHA Journals and invite them to contribute their important insights.
The ASHA Journals applaud the organizers of Peer Review Week for shining light on this important topic and will continue our efforts to include diverse voices in peer review. If you would like to get involved with our peer-review process, find out more or submit an expression of interest form.
