Aims and Scope

Journal of Research in STEM Education (J-STEM) is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to advancing high-quality teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The journal disseminates rigorous research findings to researchers, practitioners, and policy makers and serves as a platform for scholarly exchange across STEM education fields and diverse geographic and cultural contexts.

J-STEM is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes original research using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches. The journal welcomes studies conducted in a variety of educational settings, including K–12, higher education, and informal learning environments (e.g., museums). We also welcome analytical papers that address timely theoretical, methodological, and policy-relevant issues in STEM education.

In addition to research articles, J-STEM encourages submissions from practitioners on innovative pedagogies implemented in formal and informal learning settings. Such contributions are published in the journal’s Pedagogical Innovations section.

J-STEM aims to reach three audiences:

• Scholars: promoting exchange on current and emerging issues through publication of rigorous research (two issues per year).
• Teachers and informal educators: sharing evidence-informed practices and innovative pedagogy.
• Policy makers: providing research-based insights to inform STEM education policy and decision-making.

Peer Review Process (Double-Blind)

J-STEM uses a double-blind peer review process. Authors’ identities are not disclosed to reviewers, and reviewers’ identities are not disclosed to authors. All submissions undergo an initial editorial screening and double-blind peer review in accordance with the journal’s editorial policies and ethical standards.

Step 1: Initial Editorial Screening (Desk Review)

All submissions are first evaluated by the editorial team to determine whether the manuscript:

• fits the aims and scope of the journal,
• meets basic academic writing and formatting requirements,
• complies with ethical standards (e.g., originality, absence of plagiarism, appropriate approvals where relevant), and
• is suitable to be sent for external peer review.

Manuscripts may be declined at this stage if they fall outside the journal scope or do not meet minimum standards for review.

Step 2: Reviewer Assignment

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise. Reviewers are selected based on subject expertise, methodological fit, and the absence of conflicts of interest.

Step 3: Double-Blind External Review

Reviewers are invited to evaluate the manuscript’s originality, contribution, theoretical grounding, methodological rigor, transparency of analysis, clarity of reporting, and implications for research, practice, and/or policy.

Step 4: Editorial Decision

Based on reviewer reports and editorial evaluation, the journal issues one of the following decisions: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. Authors submitting a revision are expected to provide a point-by-point response explaining how reviewer comments were addressed (with page/line references where possible).

Step 5: Re-Review (if needed)

Revised manuscripts may be returned to reviewers when substantial revisions are requested or when additional verification is needed.

Confidentiality and Reviewer Ethics

All submissions and review reports are treated as confidential. Reviewers are expected to maintain confidentiality, declare conflicts of interest, and provide constructive, evidence-based feedback.

Appeals

Authors may submit an appeal with a written justification to the editorial office. Appeals are evaluated by the editor and, when appropriate, an additional editorial member. Decisions on appeals are final.

Publication Ethics

J-STEM adheres to the Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and follows COPE guidelines and flowcharts when addressing cases of suspected research misconduct, including plagiarism, duplicate publication, authorship disputes, data fabrication, and conflicts of interest (see https://publicationethics.org/).

The journal is committed to upholding the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing. Editorial decisions concerning ethical matters are made in accordance with internationally recognized standards of academic integrity, transparency, and responsible research dissemination.

https://j-stem.net/index.php/jstem/corrections-retractions 

Authorship and Contributorship

Authorship should reflect substantial scholarly contributions. All listed authors must approve the final version and agree to be accountable for the work. Changes to authorship after submission require written agreement from all authors and editorial approval.

Originality, Duplicate Submission, and Plagiarism

All submissions to J-STEM must be original works that are not under consideration by any other journal. Authors are required to confirm that their manuscript has not been previously published and is not concurrently submitted elsewhere.

The journal systematically screens all submitted manuscripts using plagiarism-detection software (e.g., iThenticate or similar tools) prior to peer review. Manuscripts with significant textual overlap, unacknowledged reuse of previously published material, or inappropriate duplication of data may be rejected at the editorial screening stage.

As a general guideline, manuscripts are expected to demonstrate a reasonable similarity index, excluding references and properly cited quotations. Cases of suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, data fabrication, or unethical reuse are handled in accordance with internationally recognized publishing ethics standards and may result in rejection, retraction, notification of authors’ institutions, or other corrective actions as deemed appropriate by the Editorial Board.

Research Involving Human Participants / Ethical Approval

For studies involving human participants (e.g., interviews, surveys, classroom research), authors must state that relevant ethical approvals were obtained and that informed consent procedures were followed where applicable. Authors should describe how confidentiality and data protection were ensured.

Data Integrity and Transparency

Authors are expected to report methods and findings accurately and transparently and to retain data/materials in case questions arise after publication. Where appropriate, authors are encouraged to provide access to underlying data/materials or explain restrictions (e.g., privacy/consent).

Handling Allegations of Misconduct

Allegations of misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, duplicate submission, fabricated or falsified data, undisclosed conflicts of interest, inappropriate authorship, unethical research practices) are investigated by the editorial team in accordance with the journal’s procedures and relevant ethical guidance. Where appropriate, the journal may request supporting documentation, contact authors for clarification, and consult reviewers or editorial board members. If concerns are substantiated, the journal may take actions including rejection, publication of a correction, expression of concern, or retraction. In serious cases, the journal may notify relevant institutions or funders.

Use of AI-Assisted Tools

Authors may use AI-assisted tools for language editing or productivity support; however, authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the manuscript, including all claims, analyses, and references. AI tools must not be listed as authors. Any substantial use of AI that meaningfully affected writing, analysis, or interpretation should be transparently disclosed in the manuscript (e.g., in an acknowledgements or methods note).

Conflict of Interest

All authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the evaluation or interpretation of a manuscript. Editors will manage submissions to avoid conflicts and ensure fair and unbiased review.

Corrections and Retractions

J-STEM may issue corrections for honest errors that affect the clarity or reliability of the published record. In cases of serious integrity concerns, the journal may publish an expression of concern or retract an article. Updates will be clearly linked to the original publication.

Journal Metrics

Editorial process (in 2025)

• 77 days (average) from submission to first decision
• 116 days (average) from submission to acceptance
• 20% acceptance rate

Usage (in 2025)

• 10K annual article views and PDF downloads

Note: Metrics are based on internal editorial tracking and OJS usage statistics for the year indicated.