Don’t Panic & Other Thoughts on Crystallographic Refereeing

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges and experiences of being a crystallographic referee in small molecule and high-pressure crystallography.

Contribution

The paper shares personal insights and anecdotes from the author's experience as a crystallographic referee.

Findings

Crystallographic reviewing requires persistence and a detailed understanding of disorder modeling.

The author encountered a range of issues from good to bad practices in crystallographic submissions.

High-pressure crystallography presents unique challenges for referees.

Abstract

When one embarks on the journey of discovery that is crystallographic reviewing, one should prepare themselves properly; sometimes, not even a towel is enough. No, you may also require dogged persistence, a penchant for investigations, and a nigh-on-masochistic desire for properly modeled disorder. Maybe that last bit is a personal foible; your needs may vary. Please come and hear about the good, the bad and the ugly that has pounced upon me, during my wanderings as a crystallographic referee, mostly in the wilds of small molecule and high- pressure crystallography.