The peer review process is an important component in maintaining high quality in the research community, and thus keeping the trust of the public in the scientific process and the scientific community. While the process is not perfect, all members of the scientific community have benefited from it, and all should be willing to participate to help maintain the integrity of the process and the community.

In summary, the following principles are important in the peer review process:

• Adherence to standards
  
  
• Appropriate expertise
  
  
• Confidentiality
  
  
• Conflict of interest management
  
  
• Timeliness