id21 Editorial Policy

1. Selection process
2. Selection criteria
3. id21 style sheet

1. Selection process

Introduction
id21's purpose is to ‘enhance the communication and use of evidence-based development research'. Given the resource intensive nature of id21's work (writing good quality summaries) editors have to select what to summarise - we produce 500 summaries a year which in itself requires a selection process.

id21 editorial input
Each editor sources material in a slightly different way depending on the nature of the subject matter. For id21 health, for example, peer reviewed academic journals - with their rigorous review protocols - are the best defence against weak research methodology – crucial in health matters. For other subject areas editors also source from working papers, research reports, systematic reviews, books and so on.

Selected material is ‘repackaged' into 500-word research highlights for id21 users who don't have extensive development knowledge or access to the full report. The highlights are written and edited by the id21 editorial team and then checked by the original researchers for authenticity and accuracy before being put online.

All materials selected for inclusion on the id21 site must have a UK link (i.e. UK institute, UK funder). UK-sourced articles are thus prioritised over others of equal value - id21 doesn't pretend to feature the ‘best' material but this is a useful way to narrow down the choice. In addition the research must be up-to-date and published within the last 18 months. It also needs to fit id21's six broad categories: education, global issues, health, natural resources, urban and rural development. These are further sub-divided: see www.id21.org .

2. Selection criteria

Strong grounded policy recommendations
Central to all id21 content is the requirement for strong practical policy recommendations. id21 editors try to source the most useful research to inform strategic and operational policymaking in developing countries. In id21 health, for example, this may mean choosing material that will have the greatest public health policy impact based on clear policy recommendations. This can be difficult as not all research necessarily sees the need to articulate policy recommendations.

Sound methodology
For id21 health, academic journals are the main source of content, given their rigorous peer review mechanisms. These mechanisms limit the need for editors to undertake a detailed assessment of research methodology – which they are not qualified to do. To some extent editors trust that methodology in documents published by respected organisations is checked prior to publication. R esearch that includes multiple case studies, that forms part of a larger research project showing detailed and sound methodology is prioritised. Research from lesser-known institutions and researchers will be more thoroughly scrutinised.

Offer a new angle to development problems
Content selected for id21 tries to offer new findings and recommendations to advance knowledge in a particular field and inform better policymaking. id21 will avoid duplication of research if it does not move a debate forward or offer fresh policy thinking. Although there is some value in expanding the existing evidence base in some areas id21's resource constraints mean this is kept to a minimum to reflect the wide range of research being funded.

3. id21 editorial style sheet

id21 language & style
•  plain English
•  clear and concise
•  short words, sentences and paragraphs
•  no clichés, puns, ambiguous language
•  no academic, technical or development jargon
•  active language, not the passive

id21 research highlights summarise key research findings, focusing on the policy lessons and implications. They are easy-to-read and accessible, written in an up-beat style, without compromising academic integrity. Every word counts: a wealth of information is packed into 500 words.

We try to be as faithful as possible to the original report and every highlight is approved by the original researcher before it goes online.

id21 highlights are written for a non-academic audience. They are succinct, interesting, informative, practical and useful. They are signposts to further, more detailed information but also stand alone as independent documents, a snapshot of the original research.

Format and length
Highlights are 500 words long with the following format:
• Title: strong, informative, succinct (8-10 words)
• 1st paragraph: the key issue, problems (50 words)
• 2nd & other paras: context, detail, significance, examples (250 words)
• Research findings: bulleted list (100 words)
• Policy lessons: bulleted list (100 words)


Disclaimer
Every effort is made by id21 to liaise closely with contributing authors to ensure they are satisfied with final copy before it appears online. In the unlikely event of any disagreement over content, id21 reserves the right to full editorial control over each contribution. id21 also reserves the right to refuse to publish articles if necessary.

Copyright for id21 research highlights remains with IDS. But articles may be copied or quoted without restriction, provided id21 and originating author(s) and institution(s) are fully acknowledged.

Views expressed on the id21 web site are not necessarily those of DFID, IDS, id21 or any other contributing institution.

Copyright © 2004 id21. All rights reserved.