The Unjournal

Theory of Change

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How We Create Impact

Direct Path
Multi-step Outcomes
Academic Integration
Systemic Change

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Starting Point

The Unjournal:
Tools, Incentives, Platforms

We provide the infrastructure for better research evaluation

The Problem We Solve

Impact-focused orgs (GiveWell, Open Phil, etc.) produce research that needs independent scrutiny
+
Traditional journals: 24+ months, closed reviews, no actionable feedback
↓
Research users can't assess what to trust in time to inform decisions

Our Solution

UJ: Tools, Incentives, Platforms
↓
Fast, Detailed
Public Feedback
Focus on
High-Impact Research
Paid Expert
Evaluators
Quantified
Quality Ratings

7-10 weeks to detailed, public evaluation with ratings

Rigorous Evaluation of Impact Research

Impact-focused orgs
need scrutiny
We evaluate
their research
↓
More Evaluation of High-Impact Research
↓
Improved Rigor
Open Science Practices
↓
More Replicable & Reliable Research

Faster, More Useful Feedback

Public Evaluations
in 7-10 Weeks
Detailed Reports
+ Quantified Ratings
↓
Research users learn which aspects to trust
↓
Integrate findings into work & funding decisions
while research is still relevant

Academic Integration Path

Academics Paid to Evaluate Impact Work
↓
Academic Awareness of Impact Research
↓
Academic Focus on Global Priorities

Stronger work from the direct path also increases academic awareness

Systemic Change Path

Reliable Quality Predictors
Efficient Feedback
↓
Attractive to Gatekeepers
Attractive to Researchers
↓
UJ-Style Evaluation Replaces Traditional Journals
↓
Research Evaluation More Efficient
Open Access

All Paths Lead To...

Improved Rigor
Academic Focus
Open Access
↓
Impactful Research Improved
↓
Decision Makers Better Informed

Ultimate Outcomes

Decision Makers Better Informed
↓
Better Policy Choices
↓
Survival & Flourishing

Complete Theory of Change

Impact orgs need
research scrutiny
UJ: Fast, detailed
public evaluation
Quantified
quality ratings
↓
Improved rigor &
open science
Research users learn
what to trust
Academic focus on
global priorities
↓
Integrate into work & funding decisions while still relevant
↓
Better Policy → Survival & Flourishing

Thank You

unjournal.org

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