The aim of the Journal of Development Effectiveness is to support evidence-based policy making to enhance development effectiveness. We do this by publishing high quality research that examines evidence of the impact of projects, programs and policies in developing countries, and discussions of experience in conducting impact evaluations and using their findings to inform policy and program design. Although we don’t favour any one methodology, the research we publish must apply rigorous evaluation techniques that address biases robustly. We have an interest in research which has been well contextualised with an appropriate use of mixed methods. Research reporting interventions with no, or a negative, impact is also welcome as we have an explicit policy of ‘learning from our mistakes’, discouraging publication bias in favour of positive results. We welcome research that explores: The effectiveness of programmes and projects that affects the lives of people in low and middle-income countries across all sectors; How such analyses can lead to better decisions by programme implementers and policy makers; Programme evaluations across all sectors but especially encourage those that in understudied areas and that help countries meet sustainable development goals; Methods that could improve such studies.