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Best Reviewer Interview – SilverAge 2025

Spotlight on Excellence: Honoring the Best Reviewer of SilverAge 2025

SilverAge 2025 continues its tradition of celebrating excellence and dedication in the field of gerontology and geriatrics medicine

We proudly recognize Dr. Rajiv Mani Adhikari as the Best Reviewer of SilverAge 2025 for his exceptional commitment to maintaining high scientific standards and for his valuable contributions in shaping a meaningful and impactful review process.

In this inspiring interview, Dr. Rajiv Mani Adhikari as the shares his perspectives on aging research, his experience as a reviewer, and his advice for researchers passionate about improving the lives of older adults.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your current academic role?
I am Dr. Rajiv Mani Adhikari, a medical doctor and public health professional with an MD in Community Medicine. Over the past eight years, I have worked extensively in clinical practice, epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems strengthening, and research. Currently, I serve as Program Manager at the International Alliance of You Foundation Nepal, in collaboration with Civil service hospital- Kathmandu, where I oversee patient case management, vocational rehabilitation and financial support programs and stakeholder engagement. Alongside program management, I remain actively engaged in academia and research. I lecture MBBS students on public health topics, serve as an Editorial Assistant for the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, and am the Principal Investigator on a study exploring harmful alcohol consumption and its health and social impacts in urban slum communities of Kathmandu. My academic and professional journey has been recognized with the Young Scientist Grant Award 2024 from the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). I am also in close collaboration with Duke University and University of California for conducting health related research.

In summary, my current academic role is centered on teaching, conducting health- related research and contributing to scientific knowledge dissemination with a strong

commitment to improving public health outcomes in Nepal and beyond.
I was inspired to pursue a career in public health and community medicine because, early in my medical training and work in hospitals, I saw that many health problems in Nepal are not just about treating patients, they are linked to social, environmental, and community factors. I realized that by working in public health, I could help improve the health of entire communities, not just individuals. This motivated me to focus on research, health programs, and community-based interventions. I am especially interested in studying issues like communicable diseases, NCDs, alcohol use, injuries, mental health, geriatrics and environmental health, and using the findings to create practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.
I am motivated to engage in peer review because it allows me to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in public health and medicine. Reviewing manuscripts and conference submissions gives me the chance to learn about new research, stay updated on current trends, and help ensure the quality and rigor of scientific work. I also see it as an opportunity to support fellow researchers, provide constructive feedback, and strengthen the research community. Being part of the peer review process aligns with my commitment to evidence-based practice and improving health outcomes through high-quality research.
When reviewing a research paper or abstract, I focus on several key aspects as follows:
  • whether the research question is clear and the study addresses an important issue in the field.
  • whether the study design, data collection, and analysis are appropriate and reliable.
  • I also look at the results and interpretation to see if the findings are clearly presented and the conclusions follow logically from the data.
  • I also check the overall quality to make sure the writing is clear, well-organized, and free of major mistakes.
  • I pay attention to ethical standards to ensure the research is done properly.
  • My goal is to give helpful feedback that improves the work and makes the research useful and reliable.
Reviewing submissions for SilverAge 2025 and iConferences was a very enriching experience. It allowed me to read a wide range of research on aging, gerontology, and public health, and to see emerging trends and innovative approaches in the field. I enjoyed providing constructive feedback to authors, helping improve the clarity and quality of their work. It also gave me the opportunity to learn from other researchers and strengthen my own understanding of scientific methods and evidence-based practices. Overall, it was rewarding to contribute to the academic community and support high-quality research dissemination.
A submission stands out when the research question is clear and important, the methods are well-designed and reliable, and the results are easy to understand. It also matters if the study is original and adds something new. Good writing, proper structure, and following ethical standards make it even better.
Some of the most exciting research areas in gerontology and geriatric medicine today include finding ways to help people live longer and healthier lives, studying dementia and cognitive health, managing multiple chronic diseases in older adults, understanding social factors that affect aging, and using technology like telemedicine and wearable devices to improve care.
Early-career researchers can improve their writing and presentation skills by reading good research papers, practicing writing often, and getting feedback from mentors or peers. They can also attend workshops or online courses to learn tips.
My advice to students thinking about a career in academia or research is to stay curious and keep learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore new ideas, and try different research projects. Practice the writing, presenting, and communicating your work clearly. Find good mentors who can guide you, and be patient and persistent, because research can take time but is very rewarding.
I would like to encourage the global research community to collaborate openly and share knowledge freely. I believe that research and knowledge should be freely accessible to everyone, so I am against paid journal articles. Open access allows researchers, students, and the public to learn, share, and build on knowledge without barriers, which ultimately benefits science and society as a whole.