To ensure that all articles in Science in School are interesting, inspiring and, above all, useful to our readers, they are reviewed by a panel of European science teachers and/or scientists, depending on the content.

Teacher reviewers assess the article from a pedagogical perspective. This includes, for example, tone, level of detail, interest, curriculum relevance and classroom applicability.  

If the content is particularly complex (most often in articles from our Understand category), we may also invite a scientific reviewer to assess the accuracy of the information, and whether any additional points or references should be included.

In some cases, the roles of teacher and scientific reviewer overlap.

Joining the reviewer panel

If you are a European science teacher/educator or a scientist and would like to join the Science in School referee panel, please email us describing your teaching and/or research experience, the subjects you specialize in, and the ages of students you teach, if applicable.

We will follow up by email to let you know whether we include you in our referee panel.

Timing

Once we receive an article, there is a round of editorial review and revision. Then, before we accept and begin copy-editing the article, it is sent for external review.

Whenever we receive an article that aligns with your area of expertise, we will contact you by email to ask if you are available to review it. We will send you the article draft and our review form, and we will specify a deadline in each request. In most cases, this is approximately two weekends from the date of our email, although occasionally we may need a shorter turnaround. 

You are always welcome to decline a review if your schedule does not allow it. Please always let us know as soon as possible whether you are able to take on the review, so we can invite another reviewer if needed. Likewise, if you think you may need more time than the deadline allows, please let us know. This helps us manage the review process and prevents you from being sent unnecessary reminders.

Reviewing an article

When reviewing an article, please keep in mind that Science in School is a journal for secondary school students aged 11–19 and is aimed at a Europe-wide audience.

If you have any questions about the review process, whether you are already reviewing an article and need support, or you are considering joining our reviewer panel, please don’t hesitate to email us.