APPAM names inaugural editorial team for new policy journal

APPAM has selected the first editorial team for its new Journal of Policy Implementation & Evaluation, a move that sets up the journal’s planned summer 2027 launch. The publication will focus on short-form, peer-reviewed research aimed at policymakers and practitioners.

Why it matters: - The new journal is designed to push rigorous policy research closer to real-world decision-making. - APPAM is adding a publication focused on policy design, implementation and evaluation, areas where timely evidence can shape how programs are built and delivered. - The journal’s short-form format and policy summaries are meant to make research easier for policymakers, practitioners and APPAM members to use.

What happened: - APPAM named the inaugural editorial team for its new Journal of Policy Implementation & Evaluation, known as JPIE. - The announcement marks a major milestone ahead of the journal’s planned summer 2027 launch. - The editorial team includes six scholars from public policy and public affairs programs at Indiana University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Michigan, New York University and The Ohio State University. - The team includes Seth Freedman, Coady Wing, Tony LoSasso, Katherine Michelmore, Travis St. Clair and Katie Vinopal.

The details: - JPIE will publish short-form, peer-reviewed research. - The journal will focus on policy design, implementation and evaluation. - The publication aims to connect research to the decisions policymakers and practitioners face. - JPIE will publish timely, actionable insights on pressing public problems without claiming to be the final word. - The journal will include clear summaries of policy implications. - Published online by Sage, JPIE will release quarterly issues. - The journal will use a hybrid publication model with both subscription-based and open-access articles. - APPAM said submission guidelines and launch updates will be available on its website.

Between the lines: - APPAM is trying to fill a niche between academic rigor and practical policy use. - The journal’s format suggests an effort to speed up how evidence reaches the people who implement policy. - The editorial team’s mix of scholars from major policy schools signals an emphasis on credibility and field expertise. - Kosali Simon said the team’s expertise will help nurture a journal that connects strong evidence with real-world policy challenges. - Simon also said JPIE creates a new opportunity to put evidence into the hands of those shaping and implementing policy.

What's next: - APPAM will build toward the journal’s summer 2027 launch. - Researchers interested in submitting work will need to watch for official submission guidelines. - APPAM will continue sharing updates through its website.

The bottom line: - APPAM is launching a journal built to translate policy research into action faster and more directly than traditional academic publishing often allows.