A good review article is not a summary of the literature. It is a distinct form of scholarship that requires critical synthesis, a clear argument, and genuine expertise. Done well, it can shape a field for years. This lecture draws on René Daumal's novel Mount Analogue to explore review writing as an expedition: finding the right mountain, assembling the right crew, and reaching a summit worth the climb. Drawing on his experience as Editor-in-Chief of Reviews in Aquaculture, Professor Turchini will explain what editors look for before a manuscript ever reaches peer review, and why so many submissions are rejected at an early stage. Topics will include choosing a topic and journal, authorship and expertise, structure and storytelling, brevity, and research integrity, including the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence. The lecture is intended for PhD students, early-career researchers, and anyone planning to write a review article.
Giovanni M. Turchini is an internationally recognised scholar in aquaculture nutrition and sustainability, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Reviews in Aquaculture, published by Wiley. His research group, AquaS, focuses on aquaculture nutrition, sustainability assessment and quantitative modelling, including life cycle assessment and nutritional modelling. Outside academia, Gio is also a pianist and composer.