StFX physics professor Dr. Peter Marzlin has been recognized as a “Trusted Reviewer” by IOP Publishing, one of the top publishers of physics journals internationally.
IOP Trusted Reviewer status acknowledges that the recipient has demonstrated a high level of peer review competence, with the ability to critique scientific literature to an excellent standard. The IOP says about 15 per cent of their referees may become a Trusted Reviewer.
This recognition builds on a similar award given to Dr. Marzlin by the American Physical Society (APS) a few years ago when he was recognized as an ‘Outstanding Referee.’ This lifetime achievement award recognizes exceptional contributions to refereeing papers for the APS. This means Dr. Marzlin assesses manuscripts for the most prestigious physics journals in the world for publication in the APS
“I was happy. It is nice to receive an acknowledgement for the work one puts into peer review,” Dr. Marzlin says on his reaction to the news.
“APS and IOP are arguably the two leading publishers who concentrate on physics. It is nice to be recognized by both for my contributions.”
The IOP Trusted Reviewer is a fairly new program.
The distinction indicates that IOP (as well as APS a few years ago), are very happy with Dr. Marzlin’s reports on their manuscripts. Most recently, he submitted a report to the IOP journal “Classical and Quantum Gravity,” which was very detailed, pointed out mistakes and omissions, and suggestions for how to improve the manuscript.
“I read manuscripts carefully and try to give constructive feedback. And, as some students from my courses may tell you, I may be good at spotting mistakes.”
Dr. Marzlin says by reading manuscripts, he stays informed about current research trends, which benefits his teaching and research.
On the other hand, he said it takes away from his time for research projects and teaching. “I am still happy to do it because peer review is extremely important for the process of sharing scientific knowledge.”
Dr. Marzlin is much in demand to review papers. According to the metrics tracked at publons.com, he is in the 95th percentile of reviewers regarding the number of manuscripts reviewed.
Dr. Marzlin specializes in quantum optics, condensed matter, and relativity. He teaches general physics, electromagnetic theory, and quantum physics. He has also taught a course on the physics of music.
