Engaging in post-publication peer review is an excellent way to contribute to the scientific discourse and help improve the quality of research. Here’s how you can effectively engage in post-publication peer review using platforms like PubPeer and PubMed Commons:

1. Using PubPeer

A. Sign Up and Create an Account:

• Go to the PubPeer website (pubpeer.com).


• Sign up for a free account. You might be asked to provide some basic information and confirm your email address.

B. Search for Articles:

• Use the search bar to find articles you are interested in by entering titles, authors, or DOI numbers. You can also browse by journal.

C. Read and Analyze the Paper:

• Carefully read the article, paying close attention to the methodology, results, and any areas you think could be improved or where you find discrepancies.

D. Submit a Comment:

• Click on the article you want to comment on.


• If you found issues or have questions, you can submit a comment or critique. Be constructive in your criticism, providing evidence for your claims.


• You can also engage with other commenters by replying to their comments or your responses.

E. Stay Professional:

• Maintain a respectful and professional tone, even if you are pointing out flaws or challenges in another researcher’s work.

2. Using PubMed Commons (Please Note: As of 2019, PubMed Commons has been discontinued.)

Although PubMed Commons is no longer active, here is a general idea of how you would have engaged with it, and alternatives you can consider now.

A. Search for Relevant Publications:

• You would have done this through the PubMed database.

B. Post Comments:

• In the past, you would have been able to submit comments on articles indexed in PubMed directly.

Current Alternatives to PubMed Commons:

• Though PubMed Commons is discontinued, you can consider platforms like:


• ResearchGate: You can post questions and comments on papers and engage with the authors and other researchers.


• Twitter: Many academics use Twitter to discuss and critique papers. Look for relevant hashtags like #ECRChat, #AcademicTwitter, or #OpenScience.


• The Conversation: They publish insights and critiques of published research pieces, and you can contribute by reaching out to them if you have an article idea.


• Reddit: Subreddits like r/AcademicPsychology or r/AskAcademia allow for discussion of published research.

3. Best Practices for Effective Peer Review:

• Be Objective: Focus on the content of the study rather than the authors.


• Support Claims with Evidence: Whenever possible, back up your critiques with evidence or references.


• Keep It Constructive: Suggest improvements or alternatives instead of just pointing out flaws.


• Engage with Authors: If possible, reach out to authors for clarification on questions or concerns you have.


• Be Open to Dialogue: Be willing to discuss your comments and rationales. It can foster a constructive conversation and lead to positive changes.

4. Further Engagement:

• Attend webinars and workshops on post-publication peer review.


• Join academic societies or professional groups related to your field that emphasize post-publication engagement.

By engaging in post-publication peer review, you contribute to the integrity and advancement of science. Your insights can directly influence future research and support the ongoing process of scientific validation.