Field
STEM
Publishing in the Columbia Junior Science Journal (CJSJ) is a strong opportunity for high school researchers who want to share original scientific work through a selective, peer-reviewed platform.
Because CJSJ has strict eligibility rules, clear expectations about scientific rigor, and a defined annual review cycle, it can feel a little intimidating at first. This guide breaks the process down simply, helping you understand what CJSJ looks for and how to prepare a competitive submission.
What Kind of Work Can You Submit?
CJSJ accepts two main types of papers: original research and review articles. Original research papers report new experimental, quantitative, or analytical findings, usually in 2–3 pages. Review articles synthesise prior studies into a focused narrative and are slightly longer, typically 4–5 pages. Across all submissions, CJSJ emphasises clarity, logical structure, and strong scientific reasoning. Students may submit work from natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or social sciences.
Eligibility
CJSJ is limited to high school students in grades 9–12. Team submissions are allowed, but one student must be listed as the primary author. Each student or team may submit only one paper per cycle. Because of the one-paper rule, it’s important to submit your strongest, most complete project. Students retain full copyright over their work, though published papers cannot be republished in another journal.
Publication Fee
CJSJ does not charge a publication fee. Submission and publication are free for all eligible students.
Submission Process
Students submit their manuscript through CJSJ’s online portal. The form requests basic information - name, email, high school, location, graduation year - along with the research subject and a short biography explaining where and why the research was conducted. Team submissions must include the names of all collaborators and mentors. A Permission to Publish Form is required for every submission. For original research, both the student and their PI, mentor, or teacher must sign. Review articles or independent projects without a PI may leave mentor-specific fields blank. Teams must upload one form signed by the primary author and their PI or mentor.
Review Timeline
CJSJ follows an annual publication cycle. Submissions open on July 6, 2025, and the deadline to submit is September 30, 2025. After the deadline, manuscripts undergo initial editorial screening before entering review. Semifinalists are announced on November 2, 2025, followed by finalist announcements on December 28, 2025. Accepted papers are prepared for publication, and the full volume is released on March 31, 2026. An official awards ceremony will be held on April 10, 2026.
RISE Tips for Getting Accepted
Based on strong CJSJ submissions reviewed at RISE, the most competitive papers typically have:
A focused and well-defined research question
A clear theoretical foundation and explanation of how past studies inform the work
Transparent methodology, with precise details on tools, data, instruments, or analysis
Consistent logical flow between the research question, results, and discussion
Figures and tables that meaningfully support the argument
Concise academic writing without unnecessary jargon
A conclusion that interprets significance rather than repeating results
Students who perform well often balance strong scientific content with clarity, structure, and attention to detail.
Application Deadline
CJSJ has a fixed annual deadline. All papers must be submitted by September 30, 2025, to be considered for the 2025–26 review cycle. Late submissions are not accepted. Students should plan their timeline carefully, especially if their research involves experiments, data collection, or external mentorship.
Sample Papers
You can find the winning essays from the 2024-2025 edition here.
RISE Research Program
If you’re a high school student aiming for competitive journals, RISE Research gives you the chance to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities worldwide. With individualised guidance and support in building independent research projects, students often produce high-quality work suitable for top publications, while also developing a strong academic profile. The program is flexible, accessible globally, and open for applications throughout the year. To explore eligibility, pricing, and how to begin, visit the RISE Research website and take the next step in your academic journey!
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