What We Do
JYI is a student-led initiative to broaden the undergraduate scientific experience, allowing students to participate in the scientific review and publication processes of its peer-reviewed undergraduate journal. Incorporated as a non-profit, student-run corporation, JYI represents over 50 different academic institutions from over half a dozen countries. JYI has been featured in EurekAlert!, Chemical Engineering News, and The Chronicle on Higher Education. An article highlighting JYI appeared in The New York Times in 1999.
What is the web journal and what is its purpose?
JYI is dedicated to representing undergraduate research in biological/biomedical sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and engineering, psychology and social sciences. We not only publish submissions from undergraduate students but also allow them to experience the editorial side of scientific publication. Student editors working with their faculty advisers review submissions from their peers and determine whether that work is acceptable for publication in JYI.
How does JYI improve undergraduate science training?
While many efforts to improve undergraduate science education are focusing on the important goal of making students’ experiences more experiential and research-oriented, JYI is focusing on the rest of the problem: reviewing and being reviewed by their peers. We recognize that student authors are likely to have little experience in scientific writing and peer-review. JYI helps guide these students by encouraging them to focus on content revision and scientific writing. Student editors, on the other hand, receive in-depth training as scientific reviewers. Students have previously attended workshops led by senior editors from Science Magazine. When these JYI authors and editors become professionals, they will be more effective communicators and reviewers.
Our Impact
For the past 20 years, the Journal of Young Investigators has successfully provided learning and professional career development opportunities to the undergraduate community, predominantly in scientific communication and publication. JYI focuses on providing this introduction to two groups of students – authors and editors. For student authors, JYI recognizes that they are likely to have little experience in a peer-reviewed publication system. JYI helps these students develop effective science writing skills by encouraging them to publish their scientific research in a journal refereed by their peers. Student editors, on the other hand, receive in-depth experience in reviewing scientific literature and engage in dialogue with authors.
The Journal’s website has received approximately 40,000 unique visits each month from students, faculty, and members of the general public. Visitors are exposed to the world of undergraduate research and to the exciting career-related opportunities at JYI. JYI staff members include some of the science, mathematics, engineering, and technology leaders of tomorrow. They are continuously working to communicate effectively, write and review scientific manuscripts, and write about science for the public. The enthusiasm of the students and the vibrant atmosphere are represented by our manuscript output and exciting new projects like the annual Virtual Poster Session.