Excerpt from the P.I.E. Guidelines for Reviewers

The inclusion of high moral standards in a published document is central to its integrity; this includes the implementation of rigorous standards of research and writing. The peer review system is a vital element of the publication sector whether for scientific papers or journals. As an ethical and central part of this process, maintaining high and relevant scholastic levels of review from peer group professionals is of critical importance. Many reviewers approach their role without prior instruction or guidelines and they are frequently unaware of the obligations imposed on them. PIE Guidelines for Reviewers establishes the fundamental principles and standards which all reviewers should follow in the course of any review strategy.

All parties concerned must be willing to give unequivocal commentwithout prevarication or deliberate ambiguity. This requires a level of trust and individual responsibility. Online social media channels offer a line of indirect peer review but professional reviewers are required when a level of expertise to refine key points in a text is necessary.

The main purpose of the Guidelines is to define and promote the best practice in the ethics of the publishing sector and offer assistance where required. In providing clarification to researchers and other personnel, it aims to prevent conflicts of interest. Reference to the Guidelines can help avoid misconduct amongst authors, editors, peer reviewers or others involved in the publishing sector. The document may act as a reference tool for journalists and editors, and offer constructive guidance to their reviewers. For student training institutions, it can provide an invaluable educational resource for learning.