Join the Global Spine Journal’s (GSJ) prestigious Editorial Review Board

Jens Chapman, Karsten Wiechert, Jeff Wang at GSJ Virtual Spine Journal Club during GSC 2024

The Global Spine Journal is seeking dedicated and experienced professionals to join the esteemed Editorial Review Board (ERB) or join the pool of reviewers for the journal. As part of GSJ’s continuing commitment to publishing high-quality research and advance spine care, the journal relies on the expertise of knowledgeable individuals to provide rigorous peer reviews and contribute to shaping the direction of cutting-edge scientific research. The successful members will appear on the GSJ masthead as part of the Editorial Board and may be considered to become a Deputy Editor when a position opens.

The fully open access GSJ is devoted to the study and treatment of spinal disorders, including diagnosis, operative and non-operative treatment options, surgical techniques, and emerging research and clinical developments.

Apply to become an ERB member

Apply to become a reviewer for GSJ

Why become an Editorial Review Board member or a reviewer for GSJ?

Enhance your professional reputation: Being part of a high-impact journal boosts your visibility within the scientific community. Establish yourself as an expert by contributing to the evaluation and dissemination of innovative research and add the position into your CV and profiles.
Academic networking: Connect with leading researchers and academics in your field on a new level. Reviewers and ERB members have the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse areas of expertise, fostering valuable collaborations.
Contribute to advancing science: Ensure the quality and integrity of published research, directly impacting the progression of science in your field.
Receive recognition: ERB members will appear on the GSJ masthead as part of the Editorial Board and may be considered to become a Deputy Editor when positions become open. All reviewers and ERB members have the possibility to win the annual GSJ Best Reviewer Award which comes with a cash prize. The award ceremony takes place at the Global Spine Congress (GSC).
Access to latest research: Stay on the cutting edge of your field by reviewing the latest submissions and discoveries. Be among the first to see groundbreaking work before it is published.
Unlock exclusive Sage benefits: ERB members enjoy a range of benefits that are offered to everyone who reviews for a Sage journal, including 60-day free access to all Sage journals following each completed review and discounts on books and author services.

Global Spine Journal Editors at Global Spine Congress 2025

L–R: Global Spine Journal Editors Jens Chapman, Karsten Wiechert, and Jeffrey Wang, at Global Spine Congress 2025.

What is expected from the Editorial Review Board members

Expertise: A strong background in your field of study, with proven experience in research and publication: An advanced degree from a recognized awarding body in your specialist field. An H-Index of at least 3. Must have published at least 10 publications as a co-author, at least 2 publications as the first, last, or corresponding author. Peer-reviewed at least 5 papers for a scientific journal. Full details in the application form.
Commitment: A willingness to dedicate time to review manuscripts and contribute to editorial decisions in a timely manner. ERB members must review at least one manuscript per month and are required to return the reviews within 2–3 weeks, they have to maintain an average R-score of 3.5 and provide solid reviews and are subject to mid-year and year-end reviews.
Professional integrity and collaboration: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and providing constructive, unbiased feedback to authors. A cooperative attitude, working with a diverse team of peers and contributing positively to the editorial process.

How to apply for the Editorial Review Board or to become a reviewer

To join the GSJ Editorial Review Board, fill in and submit the application form.
To become a reviewer for the GSJ, please email your CV or resume highlighting your academic achievements, areas of expertise, research interests, and any relevant editorial experience to the GSJ Managing Editor Danielle Lieberman. Download more information and frequently asked questions here.

Apply today to become a valued member of the Global Spine Journal and play a key role in advancing scientific knowledge. We look forward to welcoming you to our editorial community!

Global Spine Journal’s Top Reviewers

Upholding excellence in spine research

AO Spine’s official scientific journal, the Global Spine Journal (GSJ), takes great pride in the integrity, innovation, and scholarly excellence that have defined the journal from its launch. Committed to advancing knowledge in spine care, GSJ recognizes that the foundation for success rests not only on the groundbreaking work of authors and study groups, but also on the rigorous and thoughtful evaluations provided by our peer reviewers and the ongoing engagement of our readers.

We are delighted to spotlight the Reviewers of the Month, an important group in this ecosystem, and to extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication, insight, and professionalism.

Peer review is the cornerstone of academic publishing

Peer review ensures that the articles GSJ publishes meet the highest standards of scientific rigor, clinical relevance, and methodological transparency. Yet, the work of a reviewer often happens behind the scenes, with little recognition and no compensation. These individuals volunteer their time to read, analyze, and critique manuscripts, often during already demanding clinical or academic schedules.

Their feedback strengthens the quality of the work, new knowledge, and treatment recommendations the GSJ publishes and, by extension, the quality of care that spine patients ultimately receive. Traditionally, the GSJ has awarded the two Best Reviewers of the year at the Global Spine Congress, together with the two Best Papers.

In addition, since April 2025, the GSJ have been nominating Best Reviewers of the Month to recognize an outstanding reviewer who has gone above and beyond and exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and commitment that makes the GSJ thrive. The aim is to show their efforts do not go unnoticed and to honor their contributions. We invite you to scroll down and meet this month’s exemplary reviewer. These names represent more than just timely reviews—they stand for a deep commitment to the progress of spine science and the health of our global community.

AO Spine’s official scientific journal Global Spine Journal is an open access, peer-reviewed journal focusing on all aspects of the study and treatment of spinal disorders.

Find out how to become a reviewer for the GSJ.

Best Reviewers of 2024

Global Spine Journal Top Reviewers of 2024 at Global Spine Congress 2025

Dr Gal Barkay, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel (second from left), and Dr Christopher J Neal, MaineHealth Neurosurgery and Spine, Scarborough, ME, US (center left), receceiving their certificates at Global Spine Congress 2025.