279 Building trust in science: Considerations from a reviewer’s perspective.

Abstract Peer review is a critical step in scientific publication, ensuring the accuracy, quality, and validity of published research. The role of the reviewer is integral to that process. Reviewers help ensure that research has met expectations for the standards of a scientific publication. They consider the accuracy and rigor of the experimental design, analysis, and interpretation of results. Reviewers identify ethical concerns, errors, and/or biases in the presented work. Reviewers can also comment on the impact the research may have on the field. Importantly, reviewers help improve both the research and the presentation of the research through constructive feedback to authors and editors. However, reviewing is not without challenges. Many reviewers may have conscious or unconscious biases and/or conflicts of interest. Reviewers may also struggle to find the time to thoroughly review manuscripts. Ethical, critical, and thorough review helps uphold the credibility and integrity of scientific publications, building trust in science.