How to evaluate and review scientific papers in health sciences research?

Cluster

Research and Valorization

Target audience

Doctoral candidates affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Organizing and Scientific Committee

Prof. dr. Els Clays

Prof. dr. Delphine De Smedt

Prof. dr. Nick Verhaeghe

Prof. Tim Torsy

Prof. Lise-Marie Kinnaer

dr. Kaat Van Roy

Abstract

Generally, PhD fellows’ trajectory has a strong focus on developing good research skills. One aspect of being a researcher is the ability to provide critical, yet constructive (peer) feedback. In this transferable skill, PhD students will learn how to evaluate and review research papers, and/or to give feedback on oral research presentations. Theoretical learning on academic writing and reviewing and on providing feedback to students will be followed by practical exercises, i.e. the evaluation of research papers and/or the participation as a jury member in student presentations. This will be followed by a reflection exercise in which the participants reflect on their scientific review skills.

Objectives

• Deepening specific research skills (i.e. on performing literature reviews, on developing research protocols,…)
• Learning to formulate critical yet constructive feedback to peers/students
• Gaining insight in your own evaluation skills

Training method

• Live training session provided by KCGG: KCGG will lead a customised interactive session for the participants, focused on peer reviewing (2,5 hrs)
• Online training modules: Participants follow online courses on scientific writing and/or designing a research proposal provided by the KCGG and not yet included in other doctoral trainings (1,5 hrs)
• Live course-related introductive session. This session consists of an introduction into the content, learning objectives and evaluation criteria of the practical exercise. It includes a ‘calibration exercise’: participants are asked to score 2 papers, after which the scorings are evaluated and discussed in a small group (1,5 hrs)
• Live training session provided by DOWA on providing feedback to students (1,5 hrs)
• Practical exercise: After the previous sessions, participants are sufficiently instructed to be able to score papers independently and/or to participate in a jury. At this point participants engage in a practical exercise, which offers the opportunity to train reviewing and feedback skills by evaluating research papers and/or by participating in a jury (10 to 15 evaluations)
• Live discussion group: After the practical exercise, all participants gather again in order to exchange experiences and to gain insight in their individual scoring skills (1 hr)

Time schedule and venue

This transferable skill runs in the second semester of the academic year.

-        It starts with a first live session organised by KCGG on 25 February 2026 (9.30 am – 12 am). Hereafter, each participant will be assigned to a specific practical exercise (related to a specific course).

-        Between the first and second live session (‘introduction session’), participants follow 1,5 hrs of online training modules at their own pace.

-        At the beginning of May (exact date is to be set out in consultation with the person who is responsible for the participant’s specific practical exercise), participants follow an introduction session.

-        At the beginning of May there is a live interactive session on providing feedback to students

-        The practical exercise runs from mid May till mid June. Participants can perform the practical exercise at their own pace (in consultation with the responsible person).

-        The last live discussion group will be organised after the practical exercise (i.e. second half of June).

Registration

You can register by sending an e-mail to Kaat Van Roy. Registration is open from December 15, until February 20

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

The no show policy applies.

Number of participants

Maximum 20

Language

Dutch

Evaluation method

1. Active participation in the 4 live sessions. Learnings from the online modules that were followed will be a discussion topic in the live sessions.

2. Active participation in the practical exercise
    

   After successful participation, the Doctoral Schools will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.