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 Professor Arturo Jimenez-Sanchez, Professor Ganna Gryn’ova, Professor Kazuya Kikuchi, and Professor Michael Weiss. We asked our reviewers a few questions about what they enjoy about reviewing, and their thoughts on how to provide a useful review.
Professor Arturo Jimenez-Sanchez, Institute of Chemistry, UNAM. My research focuses on developing new bioanalytical molecular platforms that integrate aspects of organic synthesis, cellular biology, and optical imaging to create efficient and precise methods for delivering molecules into cells and monitoring cellular processes. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8757-4589
Professor Ganna Gryn’ova, University of Birmingham.I use theoretical and computational chemistry, physics, and materials science in combination with chemical machine learning to explore and exploit diverse functional organic and hybrid materials and molecules. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4229-939X
Professor Kazuya Kikuchi, Osaka University. I use chemical technique to make functional molecules in living cells, body, etc. visible. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7103-1275
Professor Michael Weiss, Indiana University.Our research focuses on the biosynthesis, evolution and function of the insulin molecule with application to (a) monogenic diabetes syndromes in children and (b) molecular engineering of improved insulin analogs for clinical management.
What encouraged you to review for Chemical Science?
Professor Arturo Jimenez-Sanchez: I have always valued Chemical Science for its rigorous standards and the high quality of its published research. Reviewing for the journal allows me to contribute to the scientific community by ensuring that these standards are upheld and by helping to disseminate important advancements in the field.
Professor Ganna Gryn’ova: I always receive great papers to review from Chemical Science, fitting my expertise and interests. Reviewing these papers goes beyond service to community as it enriches me scientifically.
Professor Kikuchi: I sometimes am not happy about the comments made by reviewers, so I should write comments with convincing logic, evidence and background.
Professor Weiss: Because our work is grounded in chemical and biophysical principles, the breadth and depth of the studies in Chemical Science broadly inform our experimental design.
What do you enjoy most about reviewing?
Professor Arturo Jimenez-Sanchez: I enjoy the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and to provide constructive feedback that can help authors improve their work. Reviewing also allows me to stay updated on the latest developments and trends in my field.
Professor Ganna Gryn’ova: I enjoy learning how to write better papers from the manuscripts themselves and from the fellow referees’ comments.
Professor Kikuchi: I can make out points which I may overlook when I read paper without critical thinking.
Professor Weiss: It is a pleasure to review for this journal because in general the manuscripts combine focused insight into a given chemical or biochemical system with a broad awareness of foundational principles in bioorganic chemistry. Reviewing such excellent manuscripts has helped us to improve our own style of presentation.
What makes a paper truly stand out for you when reviewing a paper?
Professor Arturo Jimenez-Sanchez: A paper stands out when it presents novel ideas or approaches, is well-structured and clearly written, and includes comprehensive data that supports its conclusions. Innovative methodologies and a strong potential for real-world application also make a significant impact.
Professor Ganna Gryn’ova: A single strong, clear message, which certainly needs to be fully supported by well-executed and well-documented research.
Professor Kikuchi: Original and elegant molecular design.
Are there any steps that reviewers can undertake to improve the quality of their review?
Professor Arturo Jimenez-Sanchez: Reviewers can improve the quality of their reviews by being thorough, objective, and constructive. It is important to provide specific feedback that can help authors enhance their manuscripts, including pointing out both strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, staying current with the latest research and methodologies in the field can provide valuable context and insights during the review process.
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? Apply here now!
