Template: Letter to an Editor about CODECHECK
Use the template below when submitting a manuscript to suggest that the editor considers a CODECHECK for your submission. Adapt the letter to your situation: a CODECHECK may already have been completed (e.g., based on a preprint), or you may be proposing one as part of the review process. Delete the placeholder instructions in square brackets and choose the paragraphs that apply to your case.
Dear Editor,
Thank you for considering our manuscript entitled “[Title]” (Manuscript ID: [ID, if available]) for publication in [Journal Name].
[If a CODECHECK has already been completed:]
Our manuscript is accompanied by a CODECHECK certificate ([https://doi.org/XXX]), which independently confirms that the computational workflow underlying our results can be successfully executed. The check was carried out by [Codechecker Name] and is registered in the CODECHECK register at https://codecheck.org.uk/register/cert/[XXX]. We encourage the handling editor and reviewers to consult the certificate as part of their evaluation, as it provides documented evidence that our code, data, and instructions are sufficient to reproduce the key outputs (figures, tables, and numerical results [strike those not applying]) reported in the paper.
[If a CODECHECK is proposed for the review process:]
Our submission includes all code and data needed to reproduce the computational results presented in the paper [or: we are prepared to share all code and data required for reproduction, or: our submission cites all code and data published in suitable repositories]. We would like to suggest that a CODECHECK be conducted as part of the review process for this manuscript. A CODECHECK is an independent, light-weight verification that the computational workflow underlying a paper can be executed and produces the reported outputs. It is not a full code review or an assessment of scientific correctness; rather, it confirms that all materials are provided and that the workflow runs as documented. We encourage to provide the certificate to the handling editor and reviewers as part of their evaluation.
[Allways:]
The CODECHECK initiative (https://codecheck.org.uk/) offers support for journals and editors who wish to arrange such a check. If the journal does not yet have an established CODECHECK process, the CODECHECK team can collaborate with you to conduct an independent community check for this submission. The team can be reached at team@cdchck.science. Please find more information on CODECHECK from a journal and editor perspective at https://codecheck.org.uk/benefits/.
We believe that a CODECHECK would strengthen the review of our manuscript and demonstrate the journal’s commitment to computational reproducibility. We are happy to provide any further information or to coordinate directly with a codechecker if you decide to proceed.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, [Author Name(s)]