To further thank and recognise the support from our excellent reviewer community, we are highlighting reviewers who have provided exceptional support to the journal over the past year.
This month, we’ll be highlighting Elisa Fadda, Samuel Sanders and Miho Yamauchi. We asked our reviewers a few questions about what they enjoy about reviewing, and their thoughts on how to provide a useful review.
Elisa Fadda, Maynooth University. Elisa’s lab uses high-performance computing to study the 3D structure and dynamic behaviour of complex carbohydrates and of glycoproteins by atomistic simulations. They use this high-resolution insight to determine links to the many biological functions of glycans in health and disease, and for the past two years in viral (COVID-19) infection.
Samuel Sanders, Rowland Institute at Harvard. Sam is interested in studying the interactions between light and matter on the nanoscale.
Miho Yamauchi, Kyushu University. Yamaichi develops nanoscale materials composed of metals and oxides as a catalyst for energy storage, electrochemical CO2 reduction and ammonia synthesis.
Do you have any advice to our readers seeking publication in Chemical Science on what makes a good paper?
Elisa Fadda: What makes a good paper is most definitely in the eye of the reader, yet to me a good paper is a clear (and easy to read) account of a scientific discovery, supported by carefully and properly analysed and presented data, with links and implications to the ‘big-picture’ of interest discussed more in depth than just mentioned in the abstract. In brief, I enjoy reading papers that are exciting and engaging for all the right reasons. As scientists we all have to read so much already, work that stands out is always welcome.
What advice would you give a first-time author looking to maximise their chances of successful peer review?
Miho Yamauchi: The authors need to provide reasonable explanations for the originality, novelty and importance of the work.
What do you enjoy most about reviewing?
Samuel Sanders: In general, I read the literature to stay on top of the latest and greatest work coming out around the world. By reviewing, I get to read work even ahead of that curve.
Miho Yamauchi: I enjoy new concepts and deep insights created by the authors.
What has been your biggest learning point from reviewing?
Elisa Fadda: To be kind, gracious (it’s always work), short, clear and to the point. I think reviewers sometimes forget that they are also authors and that being a reviewer entails providing useful feedback, where necessary, not just dry criticism.
Tune in next month to meet our next group of #ChemSciReviewers!
If you want to learn more about how we support our reviewers, check out our Reviewer Hub.
Interested in joining our ever-growing reviewer community? Send us your CV and a completed Reviewer Application Form to becomeareviewer@rsc.org.
