> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://globalimpact.gitbook.io/the-unjournal-project-and-communication-space/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://globalimpact.gitbook.io/the-unjournal-project-and-communication-space/~/changes/536/action-and-progress/pilot-steps/action-identify-pilot-key-projects-papers.md).

# Pilot: Identifying key research

([*Note for the Management Team*](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]*)*

## Test-case research for proof of concept

**Identify a small set of papers or projects as representative first-cases; use to help test the system we are building in a concrete manner.**

{% hint style="info" %}
*In doing the above, we are also collecting a longer list of key papers, projects, authors, topics, issues, etc.*
{% endhint %}

## Steps taken

1. **Post on EA Forum** (and other places) and present[ form](https://airtable.com/shrdHHI0zK7rkJCP3) (see view at bottom of this section) promoting our call for papers further, with bounty.

{% embed url="<https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/kftzYdmZf4nj2ExN7/the-most-pivotal-empirical-pieces-of-research-you-would-like-2>" %}

[***Rules for bounty HERE***](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Z4ENov9BYvbvrtFju1X5d8-mD0vCdyagSPd9ArSC2Y/edit)

2\. **Search for most-cited papers** (within our domain) among EA-aligned researchers and organizations.

3\. **Dig into existing lists, reviews, and syllabi, such as:**

* GPI [research agenda](https://globalprioritiesinstitute.org/research-agenda-web-version/#22_Epistemological_issues) (includes many posed questions)
* Open Philanthropy[ "questions that might affect our grantmaking"](https://www.openphilanthropy.org/blog/technical-and-philosophical-questions-might-affect-our-grantmaking) (needs updating? few academic links)
* [The EA Behavioral Science Newsletter](https://preview.mailerlite.com/m9i6r0j7h9)
* Syllabi: [Pablo's lis](http://www.stafforini.com/blog/effective-altruism-syllabi/)t; [Economics focus](https://effective-giving-marketing.gitbook.io/economics-for-ea-and-vice-versa/existing-resources-programs-examples) list; David Rhys-Bernard's syllabus ([link to my commented/highlighted version)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LeHrhhAcSWGQze6nSeaA9eNIXoG2vqPKM6-PrHognR0/edit)

<details>

<summary>Consider: <strong>"Mistakes" pages?</strong></summary>

* [Givewell](https://www.givewell.org/about/our-mistakes) (mainly *operational mistakes)*
* [ACX/Scott Alexander](https://astralcodexten.substack.com/p/mistakes?s=r)

Not very relevant because focused on operational issues

</details>

**5. Appeal directly to authors and research groups**

{% embed url="<https://airtable.com/shrdHHI0zK7rkJCP3>" %}

6\. **Cross-promote** with [How to get involved](/the-unjournal-project-and-communication-space/~/changes/536/readme-1/call-for-participants-research.md)

## Pivot: direct focus on NBER working papers

["Direct evaluation" track](/the-unjournal-project-and-communication-space/~/changes/536/policies-projects-evaluation-workflow/considering-projects/direct-evaluation-track.md)

1. *Pete Slattery:* "Do a complete test run using a single paper and team…" Thus, we aim to identify a small set of papers (or projects), maybe 2–3, that seem like good test and example cases, and offer a bounty for projects we choose as test cases.
2. Note that much of the work identified here has already been peer-reviewed and "published." While we envision that *The Unjournal* may assess papers that are *already published in traditional journals*, these are probably not the best case for the PoC. Thus, we de-prioritize these for now.

[^1]: See also

    * list of papers under consideration in private Airtable base `EA_unjournal_resources`, `crucial_research` table,
    * Linked discussion in [this Gdoc](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14HXHQTqwJ5VOw-SBoJD8Sd3jathdO9geKdmhdOOx_Gw/edit#heading=h.b6n4xb3q8q3c)
    * and [this slack channel](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14HXHQTqwJ5VOw-SBoJD8Sd3jathdO9geKdmhdOOx_Gw/edit)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://globalimpact.gitbook.io/the-unjournal-project-and-communication-space/~/changes/536/action-and-progress/pilot-steps/action-identify-pilot-key-projects-papers.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.