Does the work provide a significant advancement, or is it merely incremental?
Be specific. Instead of saying "The intro is bad," say "The introduction needs more context regarding [specific topic]." 4. ACS-Specific Guidelines
A good reviewer is a constructive mentor, not a gatekeeper. This section covers how to structure your review report, distinguish between major and minor revisions, and maintain a professional tone. Key Core Competencies Tested in the Final Assessment
How should a reviewer handle confidential data within a manuscript? or more details on specific ethics modules
: Recognizing conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality of manuscripts, and avoiding personal bias. Evaluation Criteria
Once you pass the final assessment on the ACS Institute platform:
You cannot use the data, ideas, or methodologies from an unpublished manuscript in your own ongoing research. 3. Evaluating Data and Methodology
: Understanding the workflow and the role of the reviewer as an advisor to the editor.
Ethical questions on the final test usually revolve around confidentiality and plagiarism.
, such as having clear titles, concise abstracts (100–150 words), and properly formatted references. Constructive Feedback
: The basics of the process and why it is critical for scientific integrity. Ethics in Peer Review
You cannot show the manuscript to graduate students or postdocs without explicit permission from the journal editor.
: ACS Axial provides a "challenge" version for those looking to test their current knowledge.
By following these best practices and sample answers, you can successfully complete the ACS Reviewer Lab final assessment and demonstrate your skills and expertise as a reviewer.
: Modules include instructional videos that highlight the most critical points for peer reviewers. ACS Researcher Resources ACS Final Review - Chem. 101
The final assessment isn’t about memorizing facts; it’s about . You will likely be presented with scenarios involving a manuscript and asked to evaluate how a professional reviewer should respond. 1. Ethical Considerations (The Most Critical Section)