The Journal Editors Discussion Interface (JEDI) is an online community that gathers a large number of current and former editors of social science journals as well as others with an interest and expertise in topics related to editorial practices. As such, researchers who wish to target this specific audience may desire to solicit engagement through JEDI. To make sure these initiatives are aligned with JEDI’s values, the JEDI steering committee has written and approved some guidelines to clarify which kinds of research engagements may be solicited on JEDI.

Regardless of other characteristics, the research study must be related to JEDI (or at least JEDI-adjacent) topics, including but not limited to editorial practices, transparency, open science, and publishing. 'Off-topic' research studies (just like off-topic posts) are not permitted. Participants may be compensated for their time or volunteer for the study.

Research that is allowed on JEDI ✅

• Research for the sake of research. This category includes most academic research for which the main objective is to advance knowledge about editorial and publishing practices, and the final product is usually a published manuscript or other form of academic communication or scholarly contribution.
• Research for an open source tool or resource. This category includes market or usability research for a tool or resource that will be open source and free to use for everyone, as well as calls for contributions to such a tool or resource.

Research that is not allowed on JEDI (with some exceptions) ❌

• Research for commercialized/for-profit tools, resources, or other activities that will not directly benefit editors or improve editorial practices. This includes any research that targets JEDI members to gather information or gain insight into editorial practices with the objective of improving a resource or tool that will not be openly available to everyone.
• Exceptions. In certain cases, research can benefit a for-profit and/or closed tool or resource, but still have substantial benefits to editors and editorial practices that the JEDI team may view it as an exception and decide it is in the best interest of our community to allow such a research study to be posted to the listserv. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any questions, or if you are not sure whether your research is allowed on JEDI, please email the community manager, Julia Bottesini, at jgbottes@syr.edu.