This exciting training opportunity is delivered in partnership with Studies in Conservation journal publishers, Taylor & Francis

Have you published work before and are interested in becoming a peer reviewer for the first time, but are not sure how to go about it?

Are you familiar with peer review, but keen to sharpen up your skills in providing constructive feedback?

IIC is pleased to offer 25 members training in effective peer review, drawing on the expertise of our journal publishers, Taylor & Francis. Designed especially for conservators, and drawing from examples in our field, the course will teach you the responsibilities of a reviewer, what to look for when assessing an article, and how to write a review report.

Course materials will include COPE ethical guidelines, examples of invitation to review emails, best practice guidelines, and examples of well-written peer reviews. This is a practical and interactive training – with some homework in advance, followed by a three- hour live event, led by Rebecca Furlong (Taylor and Francis) and supported by Dr Chandra Reedy, Editor-in-Chief of Studies in Conservation and Dr Joyce Townsend, Director of Publications at IIC.

You will learn:

• The different types of peer review
• The benefits of being involved in peer review and how Editors select reviewers
• Review invitations, when to accept or decline them, and the ethics of being a reviewer
• Critically assessing a manuscript
• Writing your report – including structuring, and how to give useful feedback
• After the course you will be given a sample article to review, based on your learning

Those successfully completing the course will receive a certificate and can get further practical experience by volunteering as a reviewer for Taylor & Francis journals within your specialist fields.

The course, including training materials and resources, will be in English. The main training workshop will take place on<strong> Monday 20 March 2023 (14:00 – 17:00 GMT). </strong>

Preparation and post course work:

A welcome document with course schedule, technical information and support materials will be sent out one week before the course starts and will include some preparatory work. Following the three-hour workshop on 20 March, participants will be sent an example article to review and asked to provide a report based on learning from the course. The feedback process will be moderated by the trainer.

Who is this course for and how to apply?

This course is free to IIC Members as a benefit of your membership, from early career to Fellows. It will be especially useful to those newer to peer reviewing or considering becoming a peer reviewer for the first time including early career researchers. We are also keen to welcome new peer reviewers located in IIC priority regions including South America, Africa and South-East Asia.

Applications should include an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) and up to 500 words outlining your interest and reason for undertaking the training, career stage and short summary of your area of expertise and how this will benefit your continued learning as well as wider contribution to the profession.

Your application should include:
• a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
• 500-word (maximum) statement (word document or similar)
• Confirmation of IIC membership status

The information should be sent to the IIC office via email: iic@iiconservation.org with the subject line: Peer Reviewer Training.

The deadline for applications is 5pm (GMT) Friday, 24 February 2023. Successful applicants will be notified by early March.

If you have any questions please get in touch with the IIC Office, iic@iiconservation.org . You can find out all about Studies in Conservation here on the IIC website: https://www.iiconservation.org/publications/sic