Dear IEEE RAS Members, Authors, Reviewer
Ensuring high-quality reviews is essential for the success of our IEEE RAS journals and conferences. However, we face significant challenges in maintaining this standard. Currently, IEEE editors often need to invite up to 12 reviewers to secure just 2 reviews per paper. This adds to an already substantial workload and leads to lengthening review times.
The number of papers submitted for review throughout our venues increases steadily each year with no sign of a decrease. The number of available reviewers has unfortunately not followed the same pace. We now observe a significant imbalance between the number of papers submitted and the number of reviews performed.
To address this, we have implemented a reviewer/author tracking system in PaperCept. Each author / reviewer of a RAS Publication managed by PaperCept can access their personal report in PaperCept using the new Compile your activity reportmenu. This tool monitors how many papers an author reviews compared to the number of submissions they make, with the goal of achieving a fairer balance. The system will start tracking from January 1, 2026.
Many of you contribute in other ways, such as serving in demanding executive roles within IEEE RAS (ExCom members, TC Chairs, Editor-in-Chiefs, Senior Editors, or Associate Editors, etc). These contributions will be accounted for. While they are not yet reflected in the system, they will be included in the coming year.
Initially, this tool is intended to raise awareness. In the future, we aim to reward individuals who provide exceptional review service. Conversely, for those who submit significantly more papers without contributing to reviews, we may consider measures such as limiting future submissions.
For our society to continue advancing, we must work together to balance submissions and reviews. Your participation is critical to sustaining the quality and reputation of IEEE RAS publications.
Thank you for your commitment and support.
Sincerely,
Aude Billard,
President, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
