PEER REVIEW: GIVE AS GOOD AS YOU GET

The increasing number of article submissions to scientific journals, and the decreasing acceptance of reviewer invitations, creates a considerable problem for editors and the scientific system in general. Here we review the literature and discuss the five most commonly cited reasons for reviewers to decline invitations. We also present potential solutions for each of the five reasons, based both on the literature and on discussions and experiences of colleagues. It is clear that the reviewing process needs to be substantially improved and updated. We also make some suggestions that may help editors do their jobs while the peer review system is overhauled.