Alvin Berger

Head of Analytical Biochemistry and Biochemical Profiling, Paradigm Genetics, Inc., North Carolina, USA

Alvin Berger is the Head of Analytical Biochemistry/Biochemical Profiling at Paradigm Genetics, Inc. in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Paradigm Genetics offers a unique systems biology approach to life sciences discovery.

What prompted you to submit a manuscript to one of BioMed Central's open access journals?

I have had negative experiences publishing in conventional journals over the years. Several of my articles submitted to conventional journals were in the review process for 9 months, then another 6 months was spent debating relatively minor points trying to satisfy three reviewers, and thereafter the article did not appear in press for another 6 months. Thus from the time of submission to appearance in print, 21 months elapsed. With BioMed Central's open access journals, I was notified within two weeks of submission that my article was accepted, and I had the impression the reviewers were more concerned with critical aspects of the work than debating minor points. I also like the fact that my colleagues can directly view the full text without a subscription, which assures that more scientists will have the opportunity to read my work.

What was your assessment of the electronic submission and peer-review process?

I have published four articles in open access journals, and a fifth has been submitted. Thus far I have been impressed with the rapidity of the process. Initially, there was a long delay between when the article appeared on the Journal's web site, and when it appeared in PubMed, but this is no longer a major issue.

What do you think you gained from publishing in an open access journal?

I am excited that more researchers will get to read the full text of my paper before it becomes outdated. This is particularly relevant for timely review articles. Further, in the stressful life of a research scientist, I am happy the process of publishing in an open access journal is a pleasant, non-stressful experience.