Scholarly Peers - Journal Peer Review and Academic Publishing

Episode 23 - ECR support: Is it about the research or the researcher?

In this episode, Sin-Wang discusses the support systems for early career researchers (ECRs) from the perspective of a journal editor. He reflects on the mentorship scheme implemented in his journal, Review of Education, which aims to provide ECRs with hands-on experience in the peer review process. The conversation explores the challenges faced by ECRs, the importance of empowerment in support systems, and the need for cultural shifts within academia to better support the next generation of researchers.
 
Review of Education: https://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20496613
Scholarly Peers on Substack: https://scholarlypeers.substack.com/ 
Repository of Early Career Researcher Peer Reviewers: https://forms.gle/kWzPYTMdPCeZwmqK9 

Episode 22 - Your curiosity drives your research journey

In this episode of Scholarly Peers, host Sin-Wang engages with doctoral student Thomas Stringer from the University of St. Andrews. They discuss Thomas's multifaceted identity as a language lecturer and researcher, his doctoral journey, and the motivations behind his publications. The conversation delves into the peer review process, the challenges of academic writing, and Thomas's new role as a co-editor for an in-house journal. The episode concludes with advice for early-career researchers, emphasising the importance of curiosity and experimentation in academia.
 
Thomas' publications:
Synthesisability and optimising exploratory action research for continuing professional development https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09650792.2024.2362706 
A conceptual framework for Emergent Language Learner Autonomy – a complexity perspective for action research https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17501229.2024.2371505 
 
Thomas' websites: 
Language Learner Autonomy Research Portal
St Andrews Profile
 

Episode 21 - Doctoral training, peer review feedback, AI and academic publishing

In this episode, Sin-Wang and Virginia Parker (University of St Andrews) discuss Virginia's experience as a peer reviewer for an international journal. They explore the challenges and benefits of peer review, the importance of being dialogic and relational in feedback, and the role of artificial intelligence in academic writing. Virginia shares her insights on the need for transparency and ethical use of AI in peer review. She also encourages doctoral researchers to embrace the opportunity to engage in peer review and contribute to the scholarly community.
 
 

Episode 20 - Interview with Prof. David Carless (University of Hong Kong)

In this episode, host Sin-Wang interviews Professor David Carless from the University of Hong Kong about his experience in journal peer review. They discuss unforgettable peer review experiences, challenges in navigating the peer review process, and advice for early career researchers. Professor Carless emphasises the importance of starting with realistic journal selection, getting critical peer review before submission, and avoiding premature submission. He also highlights the value of learning from experienced scholars, honing writing skills, and developing emotional resilience in handling rejections.
 

Episode 19 - Interview with Dr. Talia Isaacs (University College London)

Dr. Talia Isaacs shares her experiences in journal peer review as an author, reviewer, and editor. She discusses both positive and challenging experiences, including finding a home for mixed methods research and dealing with disciplinary silos. Talia also provides insights on responding to reviewer feedback on methods and defending decisions. She highlights the importance of transparency in acknowledging the use of AI tools in the writing and research process. Talia offers advice to early career researchers on navigating the peer review process, including being resilient, seeking guidance, and understanding disciplinary practices.
 

Episode 18 - Interview with Dr. Sathena Chan (University of Bedfordshire)

Episode 17 - Interview with Prof. Hayo Reinders (Anaheim University, USA / KMUTT, Thailand)

In this episode, Professor Hayo Reinders, editor of the journal Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, shares his experiences as an author, peer reviewer, and journal editor. He discusses unforgettable peer review experiences, including receiving a scathing review and discovering that his own work had been plagiarised. He also talks about the process of founding a journal and the importance of creating a platform for transformative change. Professor Reinders explores the potential of AI in journal peer review and emphasises the need for support and guidance for early career researchers in navigating the peer review process.
 
 

Episode 16 - Interview with Dr. Caroline Tagg (Open University, UK)

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Tagg, a senior lecturer and journal editor, shares her experiences as an author, peer reviewer, and editor. She discusses her unforgettable peer review experience as an author, the importance of feedback, and the challenges faced by journal editors. Caroline also provides advice for early career researchers and PhD students on navigating the peer review process.
 
 

Episode 15 - Interview with Pro. Masatoshi Sato (Universidad Andrés Bello)

In this episode, Professor Masatoshi Sato shares his experiences as an author, peer reviewer, and journal editor. He discusses both negative and positive experiences in the peer review process, including long wait times and constructive feedback. He emphasises the importance of training PhD students in peer review and suggests incorporating peer review into PhD programs. He also provides advice for navigating journal peer review, such as anticipating reviewer comments, working on response letters, and not giving up in the face of rejection.
 

Episode 14 - Interview with Dr. Peter De Costa (Michigan State University)