Evaluating Research (seminar) - 2025

Become familiar with scientific publishing and peer-review systems.
Develop a critical mind and get trained in producing responsible, respectful and constructive reviews.

Peer review is a fundamental element of scientific research. To be published, the research accomplished by experts is reported in a manuscript that is evaluated by other experts in the same field (peers) to assess its quality and validity. In this seminar, students will be introduced to the role of peer reviewers invited to review manuscripts submitted for publication. Manuscripts will be selected by the participants in preprints archives, from the fields of evolutionary biology, ecology, behavioral biology, and other topics of interest that may be decided upon during the seminar. The selected manuscripts will be discussed from the perspective of experts conducting a review. Students will be trained to consider the validity and relevance of the questions addressed, of the experimental and analytical methods used, and of the conclusions reached, as well as other aspects, such as the originality of the research undertaken or the intended audience. In addition to the fact that every scientist is invited to take on this peer role at various times in their career, this seminar promotes the development of a critical mind essential to scientific culture.

Course given in English
Maximum number of students : 12