Research that matters.(Editorial)

In Australia, we are fortunate to have researchers who are interested in carefully examining youth-related issues, and a peer review system that allows us to evaluate their research within a recognised and rigorous framework of assessment. The use of a double-blind review process ensures that research is independently and anonymously evaluated by experts in the relevant field, thus maximising the reliability of the assessment. The peer review process is slow, and can be arduous for all concerned, but we believe it is essential to ensure that Youth Studies Australia is a dependable and respected explanatory source for the youth field.

YSA has an expansive view on research. We encourage papers on a wide range of research areas of relevance to young people's lives. We are interested in research that extends the knowledge base of the youth studies community and is useful in practical, policy and/or theoretical contexts.

This issue is a good example of the diversity, relevance and usefulness of current research in the youth studies field. Terry Bartholomew and Judith Bessant have both contributed papers that consider the contested area of young people's rights. Terry looks at young people's rights in a specific but crucial area of their ...