The Young Australians Science Journal (YASJ) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal created to showcase the originality and talent of young scientists. We provide a space where high school students can share their research with the wider scientific community and experience authentic academic publishing.
Our Mission
As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit, Diamond Open Access journal (no fees for authors or readers), our aim is to:
- Provide a reputable and high-quality outlet for the publication of student-led scientific research, celebrating the novelty, significance, insight, and enthusiasm that young investigators bring to the global scientific community.
- Give science students accessible opportunities to participate authentically in the full practice of academic science.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity and the importance of diverse perspectives, breaking down barriers to STEM participation.
- Promote an understanding of the peer review process as a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, nurturing the development of students’ skills, confidence, and identity within the scientific community.
Scope of the Journal
We publish original, hypothesis-driven scientific research conducted by students. This can include:
- Experimental studies
- Observational studies
- Analyses of existing or publicly available data
What matters most is that the research is:
- Scientifically valid and reliable
- Clearly communicated and well-structured
- Contributes something new to knowledge
We also value the scientific integrity of confirmation studies and the insights gained from negative results.
At this time, we do not publish inventions, literature reviews, or essays.
Who Can Submit?
YASJ is designed to celebrate the work of young scientists. Every paper we publish has a high school student as the first author, reflecting that the project was student-led and that most of the research and writing was carried out by them.
Research is rarely done alone, and we welcome collaboration. Many papers include teachers, mentors, parents, or other students as co-authors, recognising the guidance and teamwork that support good science. An adult co-author is required to act as the main contact during the submission process.
Our Reviewers and Readers
We welcome a wide range of expertise to engage with our peer review process. We draw on a combination of experienced scientists and PhD researchers, and also invite student reviewers from both undergraduate and high school levels. We ensure that papers are matched with a balanced mix of reviewers, so that expert knowledge and peer perspectives are represented. All reviews are screened and managed by our editorial team to make sure feedback is constructive, supportive, and fair.
As an open access journal, everything published in YASJ is freely available to anyone. Our readers include students, teachers, researchers, and members of the wider community, all sharing in the discoveries made by young Australian scientists.