eiRxiv volunteers support middle and high school students as they share their research with the world. Whether you’re a scientist, educator, or simply passionate about mentoring the next generation, we encourage you to check out our current volunteer opportunities below:
If you are currently pursuing or have completed a graduate degree in a science field, please consider becoming an eiRxiv scientific reviewer. As an eiRxiv scientific reviewer, you’ll support student authors by offering clear, kind, and constructive feedback on their preprint manuscripts The goal: encourage students, help them clarify their ideas and show them how to communicate their research clearly and confidently. If you’re passionate about guiding young researchers, have experience in scientific research, and would like to volunteer as an eiRxiv reviewer, please apply!
eiRxiv reviewers are expected to:
Highlight strengths in the students’ work first, then offer friendly suggestions for how the manuscript could be improved.
Remember the first authors are middle and high school students. The primary goal of your comments is to help them grow as scientists.
Provide comments in a positive, professional, and respectful tone. Think of yourself as a coach guiding students through their first steps in science communication.
eiRxiv asks reviewers to return comments within 14 business days so students can receive feedback in a timely manner. If something will prevent you from meeting this timeline, please communicate with eiRxiv’s EIC proactively so we can figure out a solution together.
eiRxiv scientific feedback will be posted alongside the preprint – so your comments will be just as permanent as the manuscript. Students can then decide whether to revise the manuscript based on your suggestions.
If you’re interested in serving as a reviewer for eiRxiv, you can apply via the Journal of Emerging Investigators. In your application form, you would simply note that you would like to serve with eiRxiv (though we’re more than happy to have volunteers serve both JEI and eiRxiv!) Kindly note that eiRxiv is only accepting applications for reviewers at this time.
After completing your application, you will receive an email with links to all of our training quizzes, along with information about how to access our handbooks and resources. You must take and pass (>80%) the quiz to be considered as a reviewer. If approved as a reviewer, you will then receive more information about what comes next in your reviewer journey!
eiRxiv scientific reviewers offer thoughtful feedback on student research. They help young scientists think critically, refine their work, and grow as researchers.
Reviewers at eiRxiv read each student’s preprint carefully and share recommendations to strengthen the science. Their feedback is suggestions, not requirements.
Scientific Reviewers are at the heart of eiRxiv’s mission. By offering kind and constructive feedback, they help students strengthen their research and better understand the process of scientific review. Their recommendation can help improve the clarity and accuracy of each preprint and gives students the confidence to publish their research in the future.
This handbook includes detailed information about the review process and expectations for eiRxiv scientific reviewers.
To see your reviews and requests, and communicate whether or not you’re open for reviews.
Contact the EIC if you need assistance, will be unavailable for reviews for an extended period, or have any questions.
Share the reason behind your comments so students learn the reasoning, not just the role.
Remember that students may be sharing their first piece of research. Phrases like “You could make this research even stronger by…” or “One way to help readers understand might be…” go a long way.
Many student authors are 13-18 years old, so we ask that you write your comments in a way that a middle or high school student could easily understand. They may find your comments more helpful if you avoid heavy jargon and keep your tone supportive.
Students gain confidence when they know that they did well. A balance of praise and constructive feedback helps them keep going.
Your role as an eiRxiv scientific reviewer is to mentor, guide, and inspire curiosity.
Thank you for being part of the eiRxiv volunteer community! Your time and effort make a big difference in helping students grow as researchers.
