Peer review is a fundamental process in scientific publishing that ensures the validity and quality of research. As an author, understanding this process is crucial for successfully navigating the publication journey.
Peer review involves independent experts evaluating your manuscript to help editors determine its suitability for publication. Key aspects of peer review include manuscript submission, editorial assessment, and external expert evaluation. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of peer review, such as single-blind and double-blind, can help you prepare your submission appropriately. It’s also important to understand how reviewers are selected and what they look for in a manuscript.
To increase your chances of publication success, consider factors that may lead to rejection, such as poor study design, inadequate data analysis, or lack of novelty. By exploring our resources on peer review and manuscript preparation, you can gain valuable insights into crafting a strong, publication-ready paper. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enhance your research’s impact and contribute effectively to your field.
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Peer review is a fundamental process in scientific publishing that ensures the validity and quality of research. As a reviewer, you play a crucial role in this process by critically evaluating manuscripts to help editors determine their suitability for publication.
Key aspects of your role as a reviewer include:
- Assessing the scientific merit and originality of the research
- Evaluating the methodology and data analysis
- Providing constructive feedback to help authors improve their work
- Recommending whether the manuscript is suitable for publication
Karger employs single-blind peer for most journals, where you know the authors’ identities but not vice versa. As a reviewer, you are expected to maintain confidentiality throughout the process and declare any potential conflicts of interest.
To excel in your role, we encourage you to explore the resources available to enhance your reviewing skills and contribute effectively to the scientific process. Your role is vital in shaping the future of research and ensuring the integrity of scientific publications.
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As a peer reviewer for Karger Publishers, you can significantly contribute to the quality and integrity of scientific research.
In this important role, you will evaluate manuscripts for scientific validity and methodological rigor, providing constructive feedback to authors and editors. Your expertise will uphold high standards of scholarship and advance knowledge in your field, shaping the future of research.
Your contributions are essential for maintaining rigorous scientific standards and ensuring that published work meets academic excellence. By participating in the peer review process, you help uphold the integrity of the scientific community, identify innovative ideas, and protect against misinformation. This responsibility positions you to influence the future direction of research in your discipline.
Benefits of being a reviewer
Becoming a reviewer for Karger offers numerous advantages that extend beyond personal development:
Stay informed about the latest advancements in your area of expertise
Gain recognition through:
- Reviewer certificates
- Automatic updates to your ORCID peer review section
- Annual acknowledgment in journals
- Best Reviewer Awards in selected journals
- Facilitated path to claiming EACCME® credits for reviewing (fees may apply)
- Contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science
How to Get Started
To embark on this rewarding journey, begin by building your research profile through relevant publications. Reach out directly to journal editors to express your interest in reviewing and seek recommendations from senior colleagues to enhance your visibility.
We provide comprehensive resources (link), including detailed guidelines and e-learning courses, to support you in becoming an effective reviewer. We encourage researchers at all career stages to explore these materials and consider nominating themselves as reviewers using our self-nomination form below:
APPLY AS A REVIEWER
More on our reviewer recognition
| Reviewer Certificate and ORCiD Peer Review Section |
EACCME® Recognition of Reviewer Certificate |
| All Karger reviewers can download a reviewer recognition certificate after they have completed their review. Karger reviewers can also automatically update their ORCiD peer review section to raise the visibility of their efforts and contributions.
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Karger’s Reviewer Certificate is EACCME® pre-approved. Claim your EACCME® credits independently on the section “Reviewing scientific and educational material (REV)”. Please note that a fee might be charged by EACCME®.
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Becoming an Editorial Board member of a Karger journal is an excellent way to enhance your professional profile and contribute meaningfully to your field.
Our Editorial Boards consist of experts in the journal’s field who provide specialized knowledge to ensure that submitted manuscripts align with the journal’s aims and scope. As an Editorial Board member, you will oversee the peer review of articles, maintaining academic excellence and integrity throughout. In this role, you will also discuss potential topics for special issues and identify relevant themes that attract new authors in your area of interest. Additionally, you will promote high-quality submissions by engaging with the academic community and encouraging your peers to contribute their work. Your expertise will not only guide the editorial process but also shape the future direction of the journal.
Benefits of Membership
As an Editorial Board member, you will enjoy several benefits, including:
- Complementary Subscription: Receive a free subscription to the journal.
- Publication Discounts: Access special discounts or waivers on publication fees for your own manuscripts.
- Visibility Opportunities: Be featured on our website through video or written interviews, showcasing your expertise and contributions.
How to Join
To become an Editorial Board member, focus on building a strong publication record and actively engage with the journal by submitting your own work and reviewing manuscripts. Networking with current board members can also enhance your chances of selection. Joining the Editorial Board not only allows you to shape the direction of the journal but also helps you stay at the forefront of research developments in your field. If you are ready to make an impact and gain recognition, consider reaching out to the Editor-in-chief of the journal you are interested and putting forward your candidacy.
At Karger Publishers, we offer various recognition programs to support and celebrate authors throughout their publishing journey.
At Karger Publishers, we understand that publishing is a crucial part of your research journey, requiring significant time and effort. That is why we are committed to recognizing and supporting you at every stage of your career through various awards and recognition programs.
- Best Paper of a Journal: We celebrate exceptional articles published in selected journals, highlighting your outstanding contributions to your field.
- Best Conference Paper: If you have presented groundbreaking research at a conference, we want to acknowledge your efforts with this award, encouraging high-quality scientific communication.
- Best Papers by Young Researchers: For those of you in the early stages of your career, this award specifically recognizes your innovative work and potential.
Here are some examples of our most-prominent author awards:
- The Cells Tissues Organs Young Investigators Award, supports early career researchers in developmental biology, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering. Read more.
- The Journal of Vascular Research JVR/ESM Prize, in collaboration with the European Society for Microcirculation, highlights prominent researchers in vascular research. Read more.
- The Thomas Karger Award in Evolutionary Neuroscience, presented with the J. B. Johnston Club, is aimed at supporting emerging talent in this specialized field. Read more.
These awards are not just about recognition, they are designed to motivate you and promote excellence in scientific publishing. By participating in these programs, you can gain acknowledgment for your valuable contributions to science and further advance your research career.
Effectively disseminating and promoting your research is crucial for maximizing its reach and impact in the scientific community and beyond.
As a researcher, your work does not end with publication – it is equally important to ensure your findings reach the right audiences and make a meaningful contribution to your field.
Key strategies for research promotion include leveraging various communication channels, engaging with diverse audiences, and utilizing digital platforms. Consider transforming your complex findings into accessible formats for different stakeholders, from fellow researchers to policymakers and the general public. Tools like social media, podcasts, video abstracts, and infographics can play vital roles in amplifying your research’s visibility.
To enhance your research’s impact, explore resources on effective science communication techniques, post-publication promotion strategies, and methods for tracking your work’s influence. By developing a comprehensive approach to research dissemination, you can increase the likelihood of your work being noticed, cited, and applied in real-world contexts.
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Ethical research is the cornerstone of scientific integrity. As a researcher, understanding and implementing ethical practices is crucial for conducting sound, impactful studies.
Key aspects of ethical research include obtaining informed consent, protecting participant privacy, and ensuring data integrity. It is also vital to be transparent about potential conflicts of interest and to adhere to publication ethics. These principles not only protect study participants but also enhance the credibility of your work. Interested in deepening your knowledge of ethical research practices? Explore our comprehensive resources on publication ethics which offer practical guidance to help you navigate ethical considerations throughout your research journey.
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Open Access (OA) is a fundamental aspect of Open Science, designed to make research outputs freely available to everyone. By embracing OA as a researcher, you can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of your work.
Karger Publishers offers a variety of OA options, including a range of fully Gold OA journals, tailored to meet diverse research needs.
As you consider OA, think about factors like funding requirements and the desired reach for your research. Engaging with OA not only increases the accessibility of scientific knowledge but also supports the broader goal of fostering collaboration and innovation in the research community. Explore Karger’s Open Science initiatives to learn more about how OA can benefit your research journey.
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Publishing your research is an essential step in contributing to the scientific community. A thorough understanding of the publication process can enhance your ability to navigate this journey effectively.
From selecting the appropriate journal to crafting a well-structured manuscript, each stage is critical in ensuring your work reaches its intended audience. As you engage in this process, consider important factors such as journal scope, submission guidelines, and the significance of a clear and concise manuscript. Embracing the publication process not only increases the visibility of your work but also promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing within your field. To support your efforts in this endeavour, explore valuable resources that provide insights into effective publishing strategies. These materials will guide you through the necessary steps to successfully publish your research and make a meaningful impact.
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Publishing Open Access often entails a fee, but many institutions cover these fees through special agreements with publishers. Discover if your institution has an agreement with Karger and learn more today!
Publishing Open Access often entails a fee called an Article Processing Charge (APC), typically paid by authors, or sometimes a funder.
However, a growing number of institutions, such as universities, research institutes, and hospitals, make arrangements with publishers called Transformative Agreements (sometimes called Read and Publish Agreements), which cover their researchers’ publishing costs.
Transformative Agreements help move scientific publishing from the subscription model to Open Access while securing authors’ freedom to choose the right journal for their work. The submission process in Karger journals makes it easy for authors to take advantage of a Transformative Agreement if they are eligible.
While readers – from fellow researchers to policy makers to patients – clearly benefit from Open Access (when articles are free to read, share, and re-use), authors also gain significant advantages, including wider audiences and faster dissemination. This heightened visibility can also create opportunities for collaboration. Moreover, publishing Open Access lets authors effortlessly meet many mandates from funders and institutions.
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Karger offers article transfers to assist authors whose manuscripts may not be suitable for the journal to which they were initially submitted. This service enables authors to easily transfer their work to a more suitable Karger journal, streamlining continued evaluation and saving time.
Benefits of article transfers at Karger include:
- Time-saving: Authors can avoid the hassle of reformatting and resubmitting their manuscripts from scratch.
- Preserved Reviews: Transferring previous peer reviews allows authors to benefit from constructive feedback without starting over, thereby reducing reviewer burden by ensuring that the efforts of prior reviewers are not wasted.
- Faster decision times: Article transfers can speed up the overall peer review process by saving time and effort for both, authors and editors compared to outright rejection and re-submission.
As an Editor, you play a crucial role in implementing our article transfers service effectively. To support you, we have created comprehensive guidance which provides step-by-step information on the article transfer process and its benefits for your journal, authors, and the academic community.
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Karger Publishers recognizes the important role of experienced peer reviewers in training the next generation of reviewers. From July 2025, Karger Reviewers have the option to invite a colleague to co-review a manuscript via our submission system and co-reviewers receive the same acknowledgment for their contribution.
The Co-review function is fully integrated into the submission system and formalizes the practice of involving students or less experienced colleagues in the review process, adding transparency and accountability.
How Does Co-reviewing at Karger Work?
- When an invited reviewer wishes to involve a colleague, they will be prompted to add the co-reviewer’s information in the system.
- The process is fully integrated and supported by a series of communications sent to both the reviewer and the co-reviewer.
- Editors will see the annotation of the inclusion of a co-reviewer on both the reviewer list and the review report.
Responsibilities of Reviewers:
- Reviewers who opt for co-review agree to act as mentors for the co-reviewer during their assessment.
- They are responsible for evaluating the expertise and publishing experience of the co-reviewer.
- They must also ensure that the co-reviewer’s contributions are appropriate, relevant, and adhere to the Karger’s guidelines for reviewers link , including Conflict of Interest policies.
Benefits for Co-reviewers:
- Upon submission of the joint review, the co-reviewer will be able to claim acknowledgment for their contribution via the peer review platform.
- They will be included in the distribution of the decision letter, providing a complete overview of the peer review process.
- Co-reviewers can build a history of review with the journal and, with enough experience, join the reviewer database over time.
So next time you receive an informal co-review request, if the manuscript is submitted to a Karger Journal you may remind the reviewer they could easily formalize your activity.
Navigating the publishing landscape can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right journal for your research. If you have faced a rejection from your first-choice journal, don’t be discouraged!
Karger offers an innovative article transfer program designed to help authors like you, seamlessly transition their articles to more suitable journals within their editorial portfolio. This service not only assists in finding a better home for your work but also aims to provide quicker decision times. To learn more about how article transfers can enhance your publishing experience, check out the insights available below.
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Article transfers: Information for authors
Join us and become part of this dedicated global network of health sciences professionals.
Karger Publishers invites researchers to join the Karger Ambassadors Program–an opportunity for enthusiastic researchers in the health sciences to play an active role in bridging knowledge gaps.
Ambassadors can network and glean insight from seasoned experts in research and publishing and make a difference in their communities by sharing learnings on key science communications topics, from research integrity to Open Access to creating impact with their articles. Other benefits may include various giveaways, access to courses and content, discounts on Open Access publishing charges (APCs), and more.
Join us and become part of this dedicated global network of health sciences professionals. Learn more and apply to become an Ambassador – or recommend a colleague.
