Aries Systems Corporation

Scholarly journals are increasingly relying on external databases to locate peer review candidates as their legacy methods become stale, such as their overburdened Reviewer pool. These channels, which are frequently reused but rarely refreshed, also often lack diverse representation geographically, by age, gender, and discipline. This results in increased likelihood of mis-matched manuscript alignment to the Reviewer’s expertise, while also limiting the voices and perspectives heard in the research community. Integrating with third party Reviewer search tools backed by expansive researcher databases not only helps automate a traditionally manual, time-consuming process, but also broadens their reach for candidates.

Aries Systems has partnered with Scopus to integrate their advanced Reviewer search service, Find Reviewers using Scopus, with Editorial Manager® (EM). Connecting Editors with millions of researchers at their fingertips, Find Reviewers using Scopus generates 100 potential Reviewers in a single search. Leveraging the Scopus database widens the journal’s network, alleviating pressure on overtaxed Reviewer pools and providing unparalleled research coverage across a variety of subject areas. As the world’s largest abstract and citation database with nearly 20 million researcher profiles in Scopus, opportunities to diversify Reviewer representation can happen for journals organically.

However, a recent enhancement to Find Reviewers using Scopus helps journals be more targeted in their diversification. In response to direct user feedback, a new feature is now available that allows Editors to filter their search results by location. Searching for Reviewers in specific regions can help Editors align the manuscript’s language and subject matter to researchers most likely to be a proficient match. Also, gaining insights into researchers of certain geographical areas allows for better understanding of the global research ecosystem, and supports strategic engagement from underrepresented locations. Designed to facilitate control and precision in the research for suitable Reviewers, this enhancement can help drive journal DEI initiatives, improve the chances of timely and positive response from Reviewers, and increase the quality of submitted reviews.

While the filter offers significant benefits, it’s important to use it judiciously to avoid unintentional bias. Aries recommends developing appropriate use guidelines to ensure a balanced, fair, and inclusive peer review process. Although other third-party databases and Reviewer search tools available can expand the reach for journals as well, they are often inflexible and offer limited background insights. The seamless integration between Find Reviewers using Scopus and EM offers publishers an efficient, data-driven candidate search and screening solution that supports confidence in Reviewer invitations.

To learn more about the Find Reviewers using Scopus integration, check out the video below or request a free demonstration today!