Monument to peer review unveiled in Moscow

In summary, a Russian university unveiled a monument to peer review on May 26th. It consists of a concrete block fashioned into a die, with five visible sides representing the different possible outcomes of a review. The idea came from a suggestion by a sociologist and received funding through an internet campaign. The block also features the titles of 21 papers, mainly by the researchers who contributed to the campaign. The monument highlights the importance of peer review in the scientific community.
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DrClaude
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Peer review immortalized in concrete A Russian university unveiled the world’s first monument to peer review on 26 May. The 1.5‑tonne tribute (pictured) at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow consists of a derelict concrete block fashioned into a die, displaying on its five visible sides the possible results of review — ‘Accept’, ‘Minor Changes’, ‘Major Changes’, ‘Revise and Resubmit’ and ‘Reject’. The director of the HSE’s Institute of Education asked his faculty last year for ideas about how to turn the block into something meaningful. A suggestion by HSE sociologist Igor Chirikov to turn it into a ‘monument to an anonymous peer reviewer’ struck a chord, gathering US$2,500 in funding from an Internet campaign. The work is also carved with the titles of 21 papers, most by the researchers who made the largest contributions to the campaign.
https://www.nature.com/news/monument-to-peer-review-unveiled-in-moscow-1.22060
 
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  • #2
Wow, I didn't know Peer Review was Russian.

Was he related to the Frenchman Bourbaki?
 
  • #3
A die? Something completely random? That's an interesting comment on peer review...
 
  • #4
Ibix said:
A die? Something completely random? That's an interesting comment on peer review...

That was my thinking as well.
 
  • #5
If its in Russia, how come its in English?
 
  • #6
BillTre said:
If its in Russia, how come its in English?
Because it is the language of science? Russian researchers publish in English and get peer-reviewed in English.
 
  • #7
BillTre said:
If its in Russia, how come its in English?
<Puts on Russian accent> Has to be in English. In English, peers review you. But in Soviet Russia, you review... oh... wait... never mind.
 
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1. What is the purpose of the monument to peer review?

The monument is meant to honor the importance and impact of peer review in the scientific community. It serves as a reminder of the rigorous process of evaluation and criticism that helps to ensure the quality and credibility of scientific research.

2. Who designed and created the monument?

The monument was designed and created by a team of renowned Russian sculptors and architects, selected through a national competition. The winning design was chosen for its representation of the peer review process in a creative and striking way.

3. Where is the monument located?

The monument is located in Moscow, specifically in the courtyard of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This location was chosen as a symbol of the important role that the Academy plays in promoting and advancing scientific research through peer review.

4. When was the monument unveiled?

The monument was unveiled on September 8, 2020, coinciding with International Peer Review Week. This annual event celebrates the value and importance of peer review in all fields of research.

5. Are there any plans to create similar monuments in other countries?

While there are currently no specific plans to create similar monuments in other countries, the unveiling of this monument has sparked discussions and interest in other countries to also honor and recognize the role of peer review in scientific research. It is possible that similar monuments may be created in the future.

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