The most outstanding life science research, physical science research, and review articles are selected each year by USJ staff members. Authors receive the Vice Provost Award of Excellence, along with a medal presented at the annual USJ banquet in June.
Gain experience in publication.
Publishing at an undergraduate level journal is excellent preparation for eventually submitting your manuscript in a high-impact journal. You retain all rights to your article. Publication is also an excellent asset to graduate school and research fellowship applications.
Share your scientific discoveries with a broader audience.
Our journal is distributed throughout the campus in multiple offices and libraries. Disseminate your findings and contribute to the growing body of scientific knowledge at UCLA!
Eligibility FAQ
I currently attend X institution as an undergraduate, but I have done research at UCLA. Can I publish that research in USJ? Yes, as long as the UCLA PI signs the release form.
I am a UCLA student, but I did research at X university. Can I publish that research in USJ? Yes, as long as the PI signs the release form.
I am currently a graduate student. Can I publish my research in USJ? No, this journal is strictly for undergraduates only.
All articles submitted to USJ are reviewed by a trained undergraduate staff, who are supervised by the USJ Executive Board and the USJ faculty advisor. Manuscripts will receive one of four determinations: accepted pending minor revision, accepted pending major revision, recommended as a review article, or rejected.
December 15, 2023 Priority Submission Deadline
January 7, 2024 Final Manuscript Submission Deadline Submit your manuscript here as both a PDF and Word document according to the submission guidelines. Additionally, submit the Acknowledgement Form (linked above) with your article submission or email it to usjreviewme@gmail.com by January 13, 2024.
This year, in place of the PDF of the Licensing Form attached above, we will be using a DocuSign form that will require electronic signatures from both the author(s) and faculty advisor(s). Authors and faculty advisors of approved articles should be prepared to sign this agreement following our review process in March 2024; please use the PDF attached above as a reference for the contents of the agreement.
December to March 2024: Your manuscript will first go to the Review Board who will provide you a compilation letter detailing necessary changes regarding scientific content and figure formatting. You must re-submit your manuscript with revisions and be approved by staff (if the necessary changes are not made, staff will send one email reminder). After approval by the Review Board, your manuscript will go to the Editorial Board who will work with you to enhance readability and citation formatting. You will also receive the Licensing agreement via DocuSign to your UCLA-registered email at this time.
March to April 2024: Layout Board designs the journal. You may have to reformat your figures during this time. Final revisions are made by faculty and editors.
April 2024: Send to print (4-6 Weeks).
Late May 2024: Release date for Vol. 36.
June 2024: End of the year Banquet!
Scientific Writing Resources
USJ Research Planner: Stay on top of the deadline! Produced by collaboration with the WIRE group, this spreadsheet will help you break up your paper in manageable chunks, access writing resources, and work steadily to reach the deadline. Pending your feedback, the Planner will become an app.
If you are interested in browsing through a past issue of the UCLA Undergraduate Science Journal, several copies are available at the Honors Office, the Pre-Professional Advising Office, AAP, and offices of the undergraduate science counselors. They are also available at the URC - Sciences Office (2121 LSB) and several libraries (Powell, Biomedical, SEL, YRL, and Arts).
