About the Peer Review Process

Peer review is vital to the quality of published research. Your submitted article will be evaluated by at least two independent reviewers. Feedback from the peer reviewers will contribute to the editor’s decision on whether to accept or reject your article for publication.

What is peer review and why is it important?

Peer review is critical to the publication of high-quality research. It improves article quality by honing key points, identifying errors and holes, and giving authors constructive feedback and suggestions. It also acts as a filter to ensure that research is properly vetted before publication. Reviewers assess the quality, validity, and originality of the research findings.

Reviewers are experts in the field who are independent of the authors and the editorial office.

How does it work?

IEEE policy requires at least two qualified reviewers evaluate a submitted article before the editor can accept that article for publication. (IEEE Publication Services and Products Board (PSPB) Operations Manual Section 8.2.2.A.4).

  1. The journal editor invites reviewers who are experts in your article’s subject matter to evaluate the article and provide feedback.
  2. Reviewers comment on a variety of points such as whether the study is well designed or if the results are too preliminary. Reviewers can help authors hone key points, identify and resolve errors, and generate new ideas.
  3. The reviewers’ feedback informs the editor’s decision on whether to accept or reject the article.

The most common types of peer review are single-anonymous and double-anonymous review.

Both models ensure that the reviewer can give an honest and impartial evaluation of the article. Most IEEE publications use the single-anonymous review format.

What are editors and reviewers looking for?

During the peer review process, editors, and reviewers look for the following.