Peer review is important for researchers’ professional development and contributions to the field. Alfred U’Ren is the Director of icn.unam.mx, an Optica Fellow, a 2015–2021 JOSA B topical editor and a member of the Optica Quantum editorial board. In OPN's conversation with U’Ren, we asked why individuals should apply to be a peer reviewer. "Peer review is absolutely fundamental. All of us as researchers need to get our work published in peer-reviewed journals to advance our careers, so at some point, it also becomes important to give back to the community." As the cornerstone of scientific integrity, it introduces you to new, interesting ideas in the field and diversifies your skill set. Are you interested in peer review? Find out more at the link in our bio. Image courtesy of Verenise Sánchez/ICN-UNAM #PeerReview #Publishing #SciencePublishing #Editorial