Abstract
JALA is fortunate to have such an enviable collection of talent at its service.
Much has been written and debated in the past few years about the process of open manuscript review versus traditional peer review in scientific publishing. For the most part, the promises of open manuscript review have not blossomed, and seem to have been fertilized more by new technology than an interested and willing community spirit. The traditional peer-review process remains the gold standard, and for good reason—a thoughtful review of a scientific manuscript is not easy.
It's the many lab automation professionals who contribute their expertise to JALA as manuscript reviewers who ensure editorial quality and consistency. Next to the manuscript authors, they are the most important members of the JALA publishing team. They work anonymously, behind the scenes as visionaries, quality controllers, and mentors.
When manuscripts are submitted to JALA, they are shared with reviewers who have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to critically evaluate them. They do so with the JALA Spirit of Mentorship (www.labautomation.org/journal/jalamentorship.cfm), which recognizes that the review process can be a valuable educational experience for authors at all stages of their careers. JALA manuscript reviewers approach each manuscript with an eye for what must be done to make it successful. The goal is to publish submitted manuscripts, not dismiss them. This often requires a significant investment of time and energy by both authors and reviewers. The process may continue through several revisions, but if authors are willing to respond and keep working on their manuscripts, JALA's reviewers remain ready to guide them.
JALA is proud to say that, last year, 70 different lab automation specialists from 11 different countries served as manuscript reviewers. The breadth and depth of JALA reviewers is a testament to the dynamic diversity of lab automation as a scientific specialty. JALA is fortunate to have such an enviable collection of talent at its service, and greatly values the ongoing contributions of each and every one of these unsung heroes.
Sincerely,
