Peer Review

Description of the Problem

Over lunch one day, your advisor tells you that he is reviewing a paper unfavorably. He rationalizes that the group that is performing the work is in direct competition for funds with your group, and thus seeking to undermine the work of the other group would benefit your group. After all, funding is really tight.


It is obvious to you that your advisor has put himself in a position of conflict of interest, and is not being fair in his review of an otherwise credible piece of scientific research. Your advisor further complicates the situation by asking for your input, given that you are also working directly on one important aspect of the work. You read the paper, and find it plausible.


Question

What should you do?

Gray arrow Peer Review Discussion