PRE to support Sense About Science Workshop for Early Career Researchers

Needham, MA—PRE (Peer Review Evaluation) has agreed to help sponsor Peer Review: the Nuts and Bolts, a workshop organized by Sense About Science to be held at the University of St. Andrews on November 21, 2014.

This event is the latest in Sense About Science's Voice of Young Science program and is open to early career researchers in all the science disciplines. The free, half-day workshop will explore how peer review works, how to get involved, the challenges to the system, and the role of peer review in helping the public to evaluate research claims.

"We're delighted to be working with Sense about Science to support their Voice of Young Science Program," said Adam Etkin, Founder and Managing Director of PRE. "This event is perfectly aligned with our mission to encourage peer review training and support open debate regarding the role of peer review in science and society."

Speakers at the workshop will include Professor Verity Brown, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews and Editor-in-Chief of the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews; Irene Hames, Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) alumni, COPE Council 2010-2013, and independent editorial consultant and adviser to the publishing, higher education and research sectors; Stephanie Harriman, Deputy Medical Editor, BioMed Central; Victoria Murphy, program manager for Sense About Science.

"Peer review is an essential arbiter of scientific quality," commented Victoria Murphy, "so it's important that we give early career researchers the opportunity to discuss the challenges to peer review, and help answer their questions surrounding it. With increasing amounts of scientific information being put into the public domain, it can be difficult to judge which research claims should be taken seriously. Asking 'was it peer- reviewed?' helps people to query the status of science and research reported in the media."

Those interested in attending the workshop can apply by sending a CV and cover letter that includes reasons for applying and stating any relevant affiliations to Victoria Murphy, vmurphy@senseaboutscience.org. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 29th October. Those unable to attend will have the option of participating online via streaming video. Please visit http://www.senseaboutscience.org for more information.

Provided by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery