Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Research Junction Institute?

Research Junction Institute (RJI) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to advancing medical research education and scientific collaboration. We connect medical, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students with structured research programs, expert mentorship, and publication opportunities on real peer-reviewed projects.

Who can join RJI?

Our programs are open to medical, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, and allied health students, as well as early-career researchers with a genuine interest in scientific research. Specific eligibility criteria apply per program — see the sections below.

Where is Research Junction Institute based?

RJI operates fully virtually from Columbus, Ohio, USA, with members and collaborators across multiple countries.

Is Research Junction Institute accredited?

RJI is a registered non-profit organization. We do not issue formal academic credits or degrees, but the research skills, publications, and authorship experience our members gain are widely recognized by medical schools, residency programs, and academic institutions worldwide.

The Academy

What is The Academy?

The Academy is RJI's foundational research training program. It is designed to take students from little or no research experience to the level of skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to a peer-reviewed publication.

Do I need prior research experience to join The Academy?

No. The Academy is specifically designed for absolute beginners. You do not need prior publications, research courses, or lab experience — only a genuine interest in learning.

What does The Academy cost?

Academy membership is $30 per month, subsidized in part by RJI and our global funders to keep participation accessible.

What will I learn in The Academy?

The Academy covers research methodology, systematic review and meta-analysis techniques, literature searching and screening, manuscript writing, publication ethics, academic writing standards, and authorship criteria — all applied to real ongoing research projects.

How long does The Academy take?

The Academy is a self-paced, project-based program with no fixed end date. Members progress based on their participation, completion of assigned tasks, and overall contribution to projects. Most members develop publication-ready skills within 6–12 months of consistent engagement.

Can Academy members become authors on a published paper?

Yes. Authorship on RJI publications is merit-based and determined strictly in accordance with our Authorship Policy. Academy members who contribute meaningfully to a project at the level required by the ICMJE criteria are eligible for authorship credit.

The Community

What is The Community (The Lab)?

The Community — also called The Lab — is RJI's program for individuals who already have demonstrable research knowledge or practical skills. It focuses on active collaboration on real multi-centre research projects, direct contribution to ongoing studies, and building your professional research identity.

Do I need prior research experience to join The Community?

Yes. The Community is reserved for individuals with at least one demonstrable research competency, such as systematic review methodology, statistical analysis, scientific writing, data extraction, or research project management. Applicants deemed more suitable for foundational training may be redirected to The Academy.

What does The Community cost?

Community membership is $10 per month, subsidized in part by RJI and our global funders.

What does Community membership give me access to?

Community members can follow and contribute to multiple active research projects, join specialized task forces, network with Junction Fellows worldwide, complete professional research tasks, and build their research identity and publication record.

Authorship & Publications

How does authorship work at RJI?

All authorship decisions are made strictly in accordance with the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) criteria. Authorship is earned through substantive intellectual contribution to a project — it is never assigned based on payment, seniority, or favor. Please read our full Authorship Policy for details.

What journals do RJI projects target?

RJI projects target peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the subject matter, scope, and methodology of each study. Lead Investigators and Methodology Experts guide journal selection based on fit, impact, and open-access considerations. We aim for indexed, internationally recognized publications.

Can I use AI tools to help write my manuscript contribution?

RJI discourages the use of AI tools to generate substantive manuscript content submitted as your own work. All contributions must reflect genuine intellectual effort. Manuscripts found to contain excessive AI-generated content will be returned for correction. See our Terms and Conditions (Section 12) for the full policy.

What happens if my contribution to a project is insufficient for authorship?

If a member's contribution does not meet ICMJE authorship criteria, they may still be acknowledged in the manuscript's Acknowledgments section. RJI's Authorship Policy sets out the criteria and process in detail.

Payments & Subscriptions

What payment methods are accepted?

RJI accepts all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment partner, Stripe. RJI does not store your card details on its own servers.

Are subscriptions billed monthly?

Yes. Academy and Community memberships are billed monthly on a recurring basis from the date of your enrollment.

Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes. You may cancel your membership at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period — you retain access to your program until then.

How do I update my payment method?

You can update your payment method at any time through the RJI Member Billing Portal. Enter the email address associated with your account and follow the link sent to you.

Is there a refund policy?

All payments to RJI are final. Except as required by applicable law, no refunds are issued for membership fees, program enrollments, or other paid services, regardless of how much of the program has been utilized. We encourage you to review all program information before enrolling. See Section 7 of our Terms and Conditions for the full refund policy.

Code of Conduct

What behavior is expected of members?

All RJI members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, treat others with respect, submit honest and original work, meet deadlines to the best of their ability, and uphold the principles of academic integrity. Harassment, plagiarism, data fabrication, and academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.

What happens if a member violates the Code of Conduct?

RJI takes violations seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the conduct, consequences may include a formal warning, temporary suspension, removal from research projects, loss of authorship eligibility, or permanent termination of membership. See Section 14 of our Terms and Conditions for the full disciplinary process.

Contact & Support

How do I contact RJI?

For general inquiries, membership questions, and support, email us at help@researchjunction.org. We aim to respond to all inquiries promptly.

Where can I find RJI's policies?

All RJI policies are available on this website. Key documents include the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Authorship Policy.