JoVE serves the research community as a scientific methods journal for efficient dissemination, reproduction and discussion of experimental approaches in biological, medical, chemical and physical research. Video is an effective publication format as it ensures more efficient transfer of information than traditional text articles. JoVE publishes novel methods, innovative applications of existing techniques and gold standard protocols in a scholarly video and text format. Detailed text and representative results accompany every video.
Peer review is a vital component of the JoVE publishing process.
There are two main categories of JoVE submissions. The overwhelming majority of submissions fall into the JoVE-produced category; for these submissions, JoVE produces the video portion. When we produce a video, first we have the authors submit a written manuscript. This manuscript is then sent out to reviewers; revised by the authors, incorporating reviewer and editor comments; and, if accepted, a script and storyboard are generated by JoVE based on the revised manuscript for filming. After filming and post-production, both the video and a final written protocol are published on our site. Since JoVE controls the content and production of these videos, they are not sent out for peer review.
Occasionally, authors have access to the tools necessary to produce their own videos. These author-produced videos are reviewed along with the author’s written manuscript. If revisions are necessary, authors may be asked to re-shoot and edit their video and text manuscript based on reviewer, editor, or video producer comments.
We are interested in reviewers’ opinions on the clarity of presentation, scientific accuracy, usefulness, compliance with research standards, technical quality and efficiency, and general impact of each article submitted to JoVE. We want to publish articles that are detailed and thorough enough such that a researcher in the field could replicate the experiment. Our primary goal is to be a resource for researchers learning a new technique.
Keep in mind:
Additional video criteria for video produced by author submissions only:
You will receive an email inviting you to review for JoVE. Click on the “Accept” link in the email if you agree to review the manuscript. This will direct you to our manuscript management system, Editorial Manager. You will see a confirmation message in Editorial Manager. To continue, click the “Pending Assignments” link. To view the full manuscript click “View Submission” under the “Action Links” heading (the manuscript should appear as a downloadable PDF).
Reviewing the Submission
To submit your comments, click the “Submit Recommendation” link. Write your comments in the “Reviewer Blind Comments to Author” box. If you have confidential comments for the editor, write them in the “Reviewer Confidential Comments to Editor” box. If you would like to save your comments and complete them at a later time, click the “Save & Submit Later” button. If you are satisfied with your comments and would like to submit now, click the “Proceed” button. You will then have a chance to review your comments before you submit your final review.
Most submissions are JoVE-produced. JoVE produces the video for these submissions after peer review is complete. However, in some instances researchers have the resources to produce the video. If you are reviewing an author-produced submission, please comment on the clarity and accuracy of the video. (If you are reviewing an author-produced submission, we will provide a link to the video in the peer review invitation.) Make sure to include the specific time in the video associated with each comment.
Some questions to consider when reviewing the manuscript:
JoVE recognizes a possibility of financial, professional and other conflicts confronting authors, reviewers, and editors. Therefore, JoVE requires authors, reviewers, board members, referees, and editors to disclose any association that poses a potential conflict of interests in connection with their role in the publication process. Disclosing a potential conflict provides the reader with the information necessary to independently assess the work, but usually does not invalidate the author’s submission or work done by reviewers.
Conflicts that must be declared include:
JoVE reserves the right to publish an erratum disclosing a conflict of interest related to a previously published paper. Authors, referees, or editors who have deliberately or recklessly failed to disclose conflicts of interest may be banned from publishing in JoVE for a period of time. This policy applies to all material published in JoVE.
During submission of their manuscripts, authors are required to disclose any conflict of interest. The corresponding author must ensure that all authors have been asked to disclose any and all conflicts of interest. When a conflict of interest is disclosed, either by an author or an editor, it is included in the published article.
We request that peer reviewers declare any financial or personal conflict of interest prior to accepting an invitation to review a JoVE manuscript. For additional information, please see our Editorial Policies
Referees and editors should exclude themselves from handling a submission if a conflict of interest affects their ability to make an impartial scientific judgment.
The final decision on potential conflicts of interest rests with JoVE. If you have any concerns regarding a specific conflict of interest, please contact review@jove.com.
We prefer that reviewers remain anonymous throughout the entire publication process. We will not release reviewer names to authors or other reviewers, even upon request by the reviewer in question. Reviewers should keep in mind that revealing one’s identity may compromise one’s ability to provide an objective review. JoVE will not allow any attempt by authors to determine the identity of reviewers and we encourage reviewers to neither confirm nor deny any speculations as to their identity.
We ask reviewers to treat the review process as strictly confidential, and not to discuss the manuscript with anyone not directly involved in the review. It is acceptable to consult with colleagues, but please identify them to JoVE. Consulting with experts from outside the reviewer’s own laboratory may be acceptable, but please check with JoVE Peer Review before doing so, to avoid involving anyone who may have been excluded by the authors.
In order to assure the timely and effective review of submissions, JoVE selects expert reviewers who have made contributions to a relevant field of research. In evaluating the quality of reviews we consider criteria such as attention to detail, conciseness, professionalism, and scientific accuracy.
We ask that reviewers submit their comments at their earliest convenience so as not to delay the publication process. If necessary, requests for deadline extensions should be made promptly. Such requests are approved solely at JoVE’s discretion.
Qualified Peer Review Board (PRB) candidates will:
PRB members will complete the following:
Review comments from PRB members will:
Failure to meet the expectations as outlined may result in exclusion from the JoVE Peer Review Board.
If you are interested in being considered for addition to our Peer Review Board, please e-mail review@jove.com with a cover letter describing why you believe you qualify and a copy of your CV.
