Journal of Emerging Investigators: A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered how you could publish your own scientific research as a high school student? The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) gives you that chance by helping young scientists like you share original studies in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and social science. 

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about JEI, what kinds of topics it publishes, how the submission process works, and what to expect during peer review. You’ll also find helpful tips on how to get your paper accepted, understand the journal’s fees and eligibility rules, and discover how being published in JEI can make your college applications stand out.

• What Is the Journal of Emerging Investigators?
• Journal of Emerging Investigators Acceptance Rate
• Journal of Emerging Investigators Submission Guidelines
• How to Get Published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Journal of Emerging Investigators?

The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) is an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to publishing original research conducted by middle and high school students in the biological, physical, and social sciences.

Founded in 2011 by Harvard graduate students, JEI’s mission is to empower young scientists to practice authentic research, experience the peer-review process, and contribute meaningful discoveries to the scientific community. 

Being published in JEI not only provides early recognition for scholarly work but also enhances academic credibility and future educational opportunities for aspiring researchers. JEI operates as a non-profit organization led by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professors from top U.S. research institutions. 

What does the Journal of Emerging Investigators publish?

The Journal of Emerging Investigators accepts original research papers that demonstrate strong methodology, logical reasoning, and clear communication of scientific results. The journal welcomes studies across a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and the social sciences.

Recent articles from JEI highlight the diversity and creativity of student research:

• “Optimizing AI-generated image detection using a Convolutional Neural Network model with Fast Fourier Transform” by Gupta et al. (2025). Explored hybrid AI models for detecting AI-generated images.
• “Governing Glioblastoma: A novel therapy to restore motor control and mitigate glioblastoma proliferation” by Kulkarni et al. (2025). Investigated potential therapies for brain cancer using model organisms.
• “Novel anticancer effects of melatonin and berberine via signaling pathways in colorectal cancer and lymphoma” by Lin et al. (2025). Examined plant-based compounds with potential anticancer properties.
• “Unraveling individuality in dance through weight distribution analysis of Nihon Buyo dancers” by Imai et al. (2025). Analyzed individuality and movement in traditional Japanese dance.
• “The availability of a poetry tutor prompts inexperienced writers to explore deeply emotional themes” by Chung et al. (2025). Studied how AI tools can enhance creativity in writing.

Through this wide range of publications, JEI showcases how middle and high school students can make meaningful scientific contributions when given mentorship and a platform to share their discoveries.

Journal of Emerging Investigators Acceptance Rate

If you are thinking about submitting to the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI), you will be glad to know that the journal focuses more on helping you grow as a scientist than on rejecting your work. While JEI does not publicly list an official acceptance rate, very few manuscripts are rejected outright. Most are accepted after revisions, unless there are serious issues such as plagiarism or missing research approvals.

JEI’s review process is designed to teach you how professional research publishing works. More than eight volunteers will review your paper, most of them graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or professional scientists, who will give you detailed feedback to strengthen your writing, research design, and clarity. 

To boost your chances of getting published, make sure your paper clearly explains your research question, follows the journal’s submission guidelines, and uses accurate data and sources. Well-written papers that show original thinking, solid scientific reasoning, and attention to detail stand out. 

If you take the time to revise carefully and respond thoughtfully to feedback, you will have a great shot at seeing your work published in JEI.

Journal of Emerging Investigators Submission Guidelines

If you are ready to share your research with the world, the Journal of Emerging Investigators is a great place to start. Submitting your paper gives you the chance to experience real scientific publishing while working closely with mentors and editors who want you to succeed.

Below is a simple guide to help you prepare and submit your work correctly:

Authorship

You can submit to JEI if you are a middle or high school student, as long as you have not yet started college. Every paper must include at least two authors, at least one student author, and one senior mentor listed last. Remember:

• Student authors are responsible for conducting the research and writing the manuscript.
• Senior mentors guide the process. They can be a teacher, professor, graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or even a parent if the work was done at home. Undergraduate students cannot serve as senior mentors. Each senior mentor must have a valid email address for communication during the review process.

Formatting

All manuscripts must use the JEI manuscript template. This template helps you avoid common formatting mistakes and ensures your paper includes every required section.

Your paper should include:

• Title Page (title under 110 characters, all authors listed, school and location)
• Abstract (under 250 words summarizing your study and findings)
• Introduction (background, hypothesis, and purpose of the study)
• Results (data, analysis, and interpretation)
• Discussion (explanation of findings, limitations, and future research)
• Materials and Methods (clear instructions for replicating your work)
• References, Acknowledgements, Figures, Tables, and Captions

Figures should be clear and easy to read, and tables should be neatly formatted with labels and units. Manuscripts are accepted as Word documents, while figures can be uploaded as .tiff, .jpg, or .png files.

Deadline

JEI accepts submissions year-round on a rolling basis, so you can submit whenever your paper is ready.

The review process usually involves eight or more reviewers and can take several months, depending on the number of revisions needed. Most authors receive detailed feedback and may be asked to revise their manuscripts before final approval.

How to submit

Your senior mentor must submit the manuscript on your behalf using Editorial Manager, JEI’s online submission system. You will need to prepare:

• A completed manuscript template
• Separate figure files
• Any required animal or human research approval forms
• Author information, including names, roles, school affiliations, and emails

You cannot submit to JEI and another journal at the same time, so make sure your paper is only under review at JEI.

Fees

JEI charges a $45 submission fee to cover publication costs. There are no extra fees for revisions or resubmissions. Student authors do not receive payment, but they gain valuable experience, a published article on a peer-reviewed platform, and recognition as young scientists contributing to real research.

How to Get Published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators

Getting published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators is a big achievement, and the process teaches you exactly how real scientists share their discoveries. If you are a middle or high school student who has completed a science fair project or an independent study, you already have a great starting point.

Follow these tips:

Step 1: Choose a clear and focused research question.

Think about topics that spark your curiosity and fit your strengths.

For example, if you’re into environmental science, you could ask: “How do nitrates from local farms affect algae growth in Lake Greenwood?” Or, if you like psychology, you might explore: “Does listening to classical music improve short-term memory in high school students?” These are specific, focused questions that guide your research and make your study meaningful.

A bad research question is vague or too broad, like: “Does music affect people?” That’s unclear and hard to test. You can improve it by specifying what kind of music, who the participants are, and what you are measuring, turning it into: “Does listening to upbeat pop music improve reaction times in high school students during a memory test?” Clear questions like this keep your project organized and make your results easier to interpret.

Step 2: Do thorough background research.

Before jumping into experiments, gather information from reliable sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, or credible websites. Understanding previous research helps you design smarter experiments and avoid common pitfalls.

Check databases like Google Scholar or JSTOR for studies related to your topic. For instance, if your study is about AI in image detection, look at how others have used neural networks to detect manipulated images. 

Step 3: Collaborate closely with a mentor.

Your senior mentor, like a teacher, professor, or researcher, guides your project and reviews your work. They help you check your data, ensure your methods follow scientific standards, and strengthen your explanations. Regularly ask for feedback to catch mistakes early. Your mentor’s advice can turn a good paper into a great one.

Step 4: Follow the JEI manuscript template.

Using the official JEI template ensures your paper looks professional and includes all required sections: title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references. For example, clearly label your tables showing algae growth over time or include graphs to illustrate trends in your AI detection experiments. 

Step 5: Present your data clearly.

Use visuals such as charts, graphs, and tables to make your findings easier to follow. Label everything carefully and explain what each figure shows without interpreting it yet, which comes in your discussion section. 

For instance, a bar chart comparing nitrate levels and algae density gives readers a quick visual of your results. A clear presentation helps others see why your research matters.

Step 6: Nail your abstract.

Your abstract is your first impression. Start with your research question: “This study explores how nitrate pollution impacts algae growth in Lake Greenwood.” Then briefly explain your methods: “Algae samples were exposed to varying nitrate concentrations over four weeks.” Finish with key findings and why they matter: “Higher nitrate levels increased algae growth, highlighting the need for better runoff management.” Keep it concise and clear.

Step 7: Cite sources correctly.

Cite all references properly using JEI’s guidelines. Make sure your sources are credible and relevant, like research papers or authoritative books. Proper citations show you’ve done your homework and strengthen the credibility of your arguments.

Step 8: Submit through JEI’s Editorial Manager.

Once your paper is ready, your mentor submits it through JEI’s online system. Double-check that all manuscript files, figures, and necessary approvals are included. Missing documents can delay review, so take the time to upload everything correctly.

Step 9: Respond to reviewer feedback.

Your paper will be reviewed by several scientists who will provide detailed feedback. Most papers go through at least one round of revisions. Read comments carefully, address each point, and strengthen your study. If reviewers ask for more details about your methods or data, provide them clearly and respectfully.

Step 10: Finalize and publish.

After revisions, your paper undergoes copy editing before publication. Once it’s live, you can officially say that you are a published scientist. Your research will be available for others to read and cite, giving you early recognition and valuable experience in real scientific publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What topics are featured in the Journal of Emerging Investigators?

You can explore a wide variety of topics when submitting to the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI), including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, environmental science, and more. JEI values curiosity-driven research that tackles real-world questions, whether you are studying renewable energy, brain function, or social behavior.  As long as your project follows a scientific process and presents clear results, your topic will fit right in.

2. How long should a typical paper be for the Journal of Emerging Investigators?

JEI does not require a specific word count, but your paper should be detailed enough to explain your question, methods, results, and conclusions clearly. Aim for a length that allows you to tell the full story of your research without unnecessary repetition. If your paper feels complete and easy for reviewers to follow, it is likely the right length.

3. Can international students submit to the Journal of Emerging Investigators?

Yes, JEI welcomes submissions from students worldwide, not just from the United States. As long as you are a middle or high school student and your paper is written in English, you can submit your research for review. The journal values diverse scientific perspectives, so international students like you are strongly encouraged to share your discoveries.

4. Does the Journal of Emerging Investigators charge fees or provide compensation to authors?

JEI charges a $45 submission fee to help cover publication costs, but there are no additional fees for revisions or resubmissions. Authors do not receive payment for their articles, but getting published gives them something much more valuable: an experience in real scientific publishing. 

5. Are school projects eligible for submission?

You can submit your school or science fair project to JEI as long as it has not been published in another journal. The journal seeks original research, so make sure your paper has a clear question, valid data, and well-organized sections that follow scientific writing standards. 

Takeaways

• You can publish your original middle or high school research in the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) and gain early recognition as a young scientist.
• You will work closely with mentors and reviewers who guide you through the real world of scientific publishing, helping you improve your research and writing skills.
• You can submit your paper year-round through JEI’s online system, as long as it follows the official manuscript template and meets submission requirements.
• You will experience the full peer-review process, gain credibility for your work, and take an exciting first step toward future academic and research opportunities.
• You can also reach out to a college admissions expert who can help you highlight your JEI publication in your applications, show you how to discuss your research experience in essays or interviews, and guide you on how to use it to strengthen your overall academic profile.