The author looks at the several stages of scientific research of which peer review is one of the key processes: applications for a research grant; assessing an abstract of a contribution submitted to a meeting of a scientific society; and refereeing a paper for publication in a journal.
Without publication, which entails such preliminary validation, science cannot advance, and ensuring that peer review is as accurate, fair and quick as possible is one of the principal tasks of most scientific editors.
Suggested citation
Lock S (1985) A difficult balance: Editorial peer review in medicine. Nuffield Trust.