About the Journal

A bilingual, peer-reviewed platform for undergraduate scientific discovery and mentorship at the University of Ottawa.

Focus and Scope

Formally endorsed and sponsored by the Faculty of Science at the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Science Undergraduate Research Journal (OSURJ) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to showcasing excellence in undergraduate scientific research.

OSURJ publishes original articles across the full spectrum of the natural and quantitative sciences — including biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics, neuroscience, immunology, earth and environmental sciences, and interdisciplinary fields at the interface of these disciplines.

As a student-run and bilingual (English–French) initiative, OSURJ aims to enrich the undergraduate research experience by providing students with first-hand engagement in scientific publishing, editorial collaboration, and the peer-review process; a compliment to traditional laboratory and classroom learning.

The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, short communications, and perspective pieces on emerging scientific issues. OSURJ also features point-counterpoint discussions, interviews with researchers, and commentary on science communication and policy.

Manuscripts must present novel, scientifically valid, and clearly communicated findings or analyses written in concise, accessible prose suitable for a broad scientific readership.

About OSURJ

The University of Ottawa Science Undergraduate Research Journal (OSURJ) is a peer-reviewed, bilingual, open-access journal dedicated to showcasing excellence in undergraduate research across the sciences. As an online and non-proprietary publication, OSURJ provides an accessible platform for students to share original findings, analyses, and perspectives that contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.

OSURJ is published and managed by undergraduate students from the University of Ottawa’s Faculties of Science, Medicine, and Health Sciences, with the support of doctoral, post-doctoral, and faculty reviewers who serve on its permanent review board. This collaborative model ensures that each manuscript undergoes a rigorous and constructive peer-review process while fostering mentorship and scholarly development for undergraduate authors.

The journal accepts submissions on a rolling basis and publishes one digital issue per academic year, featuring research articles, reviews, and perspectives that reflect the depth and diversity of undergraduate inquiry in the natural and quantitative sciences.

Mission statement

The University of Ottawa Science Undergraduate Research Journal (OSURJ) seeks to enrich the undergraduate science experience by providing students with a platform to write, review, and publish scholarly research. By engaging undergraduates in all stages of the scientific publishing process, OSURJ fosters rigorous inquiry, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills. Through this initiative, the journal aims to inspire a lifelong commitment to research, collaboration, and discovery within the scientific community.

Objectives

  • To provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in academic publishing, including manuscript preparation, submission, peer review, and editorial decision-making, as a compliment to their scientific education.
  • To develop students’ scientific writing and communication skills through constructive feedback, editorial mentorship, and exposure to professional publishing standards.
  • To encourage undergraduate participation in scientific research by offering a platform that recognizes and disseminates original student work.
  • To establish a formal, peer-reviewed venue for undergraduate research, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, critical analysis, and exchange of ideas across diverse scientific fields.
  • To enhance the University of Ottawa’s research profile by publicly showcasing the high-quality research produced through undergraduate initiatives such as UROP, USRO, NSERC-USRA, SIRI, URS, CIHR projects, honours theses, and advanced coursework papers.
  • To strengthen students’ academic and professional trajectories by offering them credible publication experience and evidence of research engagement for graduate studies, professional schools, and future employers.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.