SENSE ABOUT SCIENCE: Peer Review Workshop - Friday 5 March 2010

Sense About Science is holding a free workshop about peer review for early career researchers in all sciences, engineering and medicine (PhD students, post-docs or equivalent in first job).

Sense About Science Workshop

Research: publishing it, reviewing it and talking about it publicly.

This free event is open to early career researchers (PhD students, post-doctoral fellows or equivalent in first job) in all sciences, and will be held on Friday 5th March at Sussex University.

Should peer review detect fraud and misconduct? What does it do for science and what does the scientific community want it to do for them? Will it illuminate good ideas or shut them down? Should reviewers remain anonymous?

The workshop will run from 2pm to 6pm and will consist of the following sessions:

• Reviewing and being reviewed - Examining the process of peer review in journal publishing and grant applications: what does peer review do for science? How can early career researchers engage with the process? Previous speakers have included editors from Nature and Science, as well as academics and members of various funding bodies experienced in the peer review process
• Peer review, warts and all - Exploring the criticisms of the peer review process; does it detect fraud and misconduct? Is maverick science rejected? What is the public perception of peer review? Can it help the public understand the status of scientific claims? How do journalists use peer review and how does the media report the status and quality of research? Previous speakers have included science correspondents from New Scientist and The Times, freelance journalists and editors of journals such as The Lancet.

The workshop will be followed by a drinks reception.

These workshops are very popular and there are limited places available.

To apply: send a CV and covering letter, explaining your reasons for applying and stating any affiliations you hold, to Julia Wilson, jwilson@senseaboutscience.org, or Sense About Science, 25 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EG.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 24th February.

For further information please see www.senseaboutscience.org/PDF/sussexpeerreview0310.pdf or visit www.senseaboutscience.org/VoYS or call 020 7478 4380.

Sense About Science is a small charity that equips people to make sense of science and evidence.

MS