Peer review in context

Abstract

Scientific publishing is in a transition between the old paper-bound, static forms and the new electronic media with its interactive, dynamic possibilities. This takes place in the context of imploding library budgets and exploding magazine costs. The scientists as authors, reviewers and editors of scientific journals are exposed to an increased pressure by the their administrations and the public towards quantification, objectification and certification of scientific achievements. The ``publication roulette'' resulting from low-quality editorial procedures often amounts to malign censorship, which not only is experienced as a frustration by the authors, but is also delaying and hampering the progress of science. It also leads to a waste of funds under the cover of pseudo-objectivity and pseudo-legitimacy of financial decisions. Different solutions are outlined and discussed. As concerns scientific publishing, an e-print service should be established, which, in continuation of existing e-servers such as arxiv.org, is operated either directly by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or by an international consortium. In order to become generally accepted by the scientists, certification criteria must be provided, which would make it possible to successfully pursue a scientific career besides the traditional peer reviewed print publications.