Peer review

For the purposes of HERDC, the peer review process must involve assessment or review of the publication:

• in its entirety – not merely an abstract or extract;
• before publication and
• by appropriately independent, qualified experts. Independent in this context means independent of the author.

Proof of peer review for journal articles (C1)

Any of the following are acceptable as evidence:

• the journal is listed on the ARC's ERA 2012 journal list
• the journal is listed in Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge Master Journal List
• the journal is classified as 'refereed' in Ulrich's knowledgebase
• there is a statement in the journal which shows that contributions are peer reviewed
• there is a statement or acknowledgement from the journal editor which shows that contributions are peer reviewed
• a copy of a reviewer’s assessment relating to the article

Please Note: DIISR has removed the reference to the department’s register of refereed journals as acceptable evidence of peer review as this register is no longer maintained. We will need to provide alternative acceptable documentation for proof of peer review for journals on the old DEST register for refereed journals.

Proof of peer review for conference publications (E1)

Any of the following are acceptable as evidence:

• there is a statement in the conference proceedings which shows that contributions are peer reviewed
• there is a statement or acknowledgement from the conference proceedings editor which shows that contributions are peer reviewed. Use this template letter (DOC) to obtain a statement
• a copy of a reviewer’s assessment relating to the conference paper

Note: a statement from an author that a publication was peer reviewed is not acceptable proof of peer review

The existence of a national or international advisory board is also not sufficient evidence that all relevant publications were assessed by members of it.