Celebrating and cultivating excellent peer review at JBC [Editorials] (Journal of Biological Chemistry)

We are living through a transformational time in scientific publishing, with lively and healthy discussions of mechanisms for improved transparency in review, increased emphasis on pre- and post-publication consultation about papers, and high pressure for rigor and rapidity in publishing. We are surrounded by a myriad of devices, apps, and tools to facilitate these exchanges. And yet, at least for now, scientists still primarily communicate their results through scholarly publications that have been rigorously evaluated by their colleagues in a tried and true peer review system that we revere and defend. Indeed, peer review is the cornerstone of the trust we place in each other, enabling us to be inspired by and build on the literature to achieve ever greater advances and insights. Impressively, peer review relies on selfless dedication of time and effort by the scientific community, primarily based on the shared belief that peer review is an essential service to the community to maintain quality in the published literature. There are also additional benefits: Peer review provides a mechanism for feedback and mentorship and an opportunity to use one`s critical mind to digest and assess new science. But the bottom line is that scientists generously give of their time to enable our scientific structure to stand on a firm foundation. We take this opportunity to heartily thank all of our reviewers for the time they have donated to JBC to allow us to proceed with confidence that our published papers will engage the community and stand the test...