This pre-conference workshop is designed to provide trainees with a hands-on, practical introduction to the academic publishing and peer-review process. Its purpose is to help participants better understand how journals operate, what editors look for in a strong submission, and how to contribute meaningful, constructive feedback as reviewers. Rather than just hearing about how journals work, participants will actively practice the skills they need to publish and review with confidence.

The session will begin with a brief presentation by journal editors on the scope of the journal and editorial priorities, offering participants a clearer sense of how to prepare work for publication and avoid common pitfalls. The workshop will then move into an interactive group format, where trainees will work in small groups led by an editor mentor to review a sample article and discuss how they would respond as peer reviewers. Key topics will include identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement in a manuscript, organizing review comments effectively, and writing feedback that is professional, specific, and actionable. The session will conclude with a round table discussion, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions about publication, peer review, and the editorial decision-making process.