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Peer Reviewer Academy

SBM's Peer Reviewer Academy trains early-career scientists on the art of peer reviewing. It features hands-on, real reviewing, and culminates with a coveted spot on one of our journal’s editorial boards. Build your skills, your CV, and your network!

The academy is capped at 20 participants per year. Applying is easy, with only a short form required. Applications for the 2024 academy closed January 31, 2024.
 

Important Dates & Details:

  • Introductory webinar training on peer reviewing skills, including recognizing implicit bias and time for Q&A. This webinar will be held February 20, 2024, from 1-2 p.m. ET (real-time attendance is preferred, but a recording will be made available for those unable to join live).
  • Completion of a mock review of a real, yet-to-be published article. Your review is due no later than March 8, 2024.
  • In-person peer review training session, including feedback on mock reviews, examples of tricky reviewing situations, and free breakfast. This session will take place March 14, 2024, from 8-8:50 a.m. during SBM’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions (participants must register for the meeting to attend; discounted registration is available for trainees and underrepresented scientists). 
  • Completion of two mentored reviews for either Annals of Behavioral Medicine (ABM) or Translational Behavioral Medicine (TBM) by the end of 2024. Associate editors will provide individual feedback on each review, including comments from other reviewers.
  • Certificate of completion, including a digital badge, physical certificate, and recognition on the SBM website – all issued January 2025.
  • Placement on the ABM or TBM editorial board beginning in January 2025. Editorial board members are listed on the journal website, can list their role on their CV, can weigh in on journal policies, and guide the field by reviewing approximately six manuscripts each year.
     

Who should apply?

Participants are required to be current SBM members (need to join or renew?), have at least one published paper as first author, and have a terminal degree. The meaning of “early-career” varies across the range of behavioral medicine careers. However, this academy is most appropriate for those who are completing their post-doctoral research or who have completed their terminal degree within the last 5 years.

Scientists from underrepresented or historically marginalized backgrounds, and/or who have equity as a research focus area are especially encouraged to apply. Scientists working outside of academia, such as in industry settings, are also encouraged to apply.
 

Why should I apply?

  • Build your peer reviewing skills. Peer reviewing is an essential part of every research career and is vital to the integrity of science. It’s also a way to shape the field and grow your own knowledge of the latest research in your area. Plus, the skills are translatable – a use what you learn in your own papers, grants, and more.
  • Grow your professional network. The academy will connect you directly with 20 peers (a small cohort that gets to know each other!) and with senior leaders, including journal editors and SBM leaders.
  • Promote your new expertise. You’ll get a certificate and digital badge, plus can list the academy on your CV and in materials for promotion or tenure. The academy is unique and may also help you stand out if you list it as part of your training plan in an F or K award application.
  • Advance your career. After you complete the academy, you’ll be given priority consideration and an expedited pathway for a spot on the ABM or TBM editorial board. You’ll also be a front-runner for future associate editor roles.
     

How much does the academy cost?

Nothing! The academy is FREE. Plus, since it includes an in-person session at the SBM Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions, it may help you secure institutional funding for meeting registration and travel expenses.
 

How do I apply?

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

The application form asks for basic information, CV link, and short responses to two prompts: 1) How will participation in the academy advance your career? 2) Describe your prior peer reviewing experience.


Special thanks to Publications Council Chair Dr. Jun Ma who led creation of the academy. Special thanks also to ABM Editor-in-Chief Dr. Tracey Revenson and TBM Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cheryl Knott.