Other Is this a conflict of interest? (reviewing an article)

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A journal requested an adjudicator for an article due to conflicting reviewer recommendations. The adjudicator accepted based on the abstract but discovered that the paper cites their work and offers a solution to a problem they are facing in their own research. This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The discussion emphasizes the importance of transparency, suggesting that the adjudicator should inform the journal's editors about their vested interest in the paper's publication. While some argue that the connection to the author’s work may not inherently disqualify the adjudicator, it is crucial to adhere to the journal's policies and maintain objectivity. The consensus is that informing the editor is a prudent step, as it allows for clarity and upholds ethical standards in the review process.
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A journal sent me an email asking me to be an adjudicator for one article since the two reviewers disagreed on their recommendations. I accepted based on the abstract. When reading the paper I found that

(a) The author is citing me, not a big deal I guess.

but

(b) The author gives a solution to a problem I've been struggling with for one of my own works. So, personally, I would benefit from this paper being published since I can then cite it in my own work. Is this a conflict of interest that I should inform the editors of the journal?
 
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If you have to ask, the answer is "yes".
 
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While Vanadium's response is a good heuristic, I'm not sure it should apply to this situation. First, see if the journal has any stated policies and follow those. Aside from that, it seems like the two facts given would correlate with the criteria editors are following when they are looking for reviewers---someone in the field (citing the prospective reviewer) who will know if the work is impactful (being cited by the prospective reviewer). I have to say that the incentives here don't seem malignant. It is in your interest that the work was done correctly since you want to use it in support of your own. In the end, follow the journal's policies, and if they have none, then your own conscience. You could always note to the editor your concerns before/when you submit your review and vote for/against publication.
 
andresB said:
(b) The author gives a solution to a problem I've been struggling with for one of my own works. So, personally, I would benefit from this paper being published since I can then cite it in my own work. Is this a conflict of interest that I should inform the editors of the journal?
So it sounds like you may not be able to be completely objective in your review of the paper. What if you side with the previous reviewer who said "no" to the paper? And if you do that, can you still gain insights that might help you in your own work?

It seems straightforward to inform the editors and see if they are still okay with you being the 3rd reviewer.
 
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If I had doubts on impartiality I would ask the editor. If I were an editor, I would definitely not consider (a) a conflict of interest (that would disqualify most actually competent referees working in my field). When it comes to (b) you have an interest in the paper being published if correct. You will probably also obtain the previous referee reports and have the opportunity to consider the points for and against publication raised in each.
 
i support informing the editor of your interest in the publication of this result, and would suggest that fact is itself an argument in favor of the importance and interest of the result. but informing the editor cannot be wrong, and not doing so seems wrong to me.
 
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Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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