The AAPI Nexus Journal was established to bridge “town and gown” and dismantle the barriers separating the academy and larger community. We develop and publish knowledge that strengthens real social agency, arming stakeholders with actionable information: research that is transformative, informs decision makers, and promotes the well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). For example, the journal has filled the gaps in the existing literature to better understand the position and experiences of AAPIs by publishing data disaggregated by ethnic groups or subgroups.

We also acknowledge the generation of knowledge is not limited to those within the academy. AAPI Nexus has fostered the production of knowledge outside the academy by seeking and publishing community-based research and practitioner’s essays where those on the front line have an opportunity to express opinions and to advocate based on beliefs and firsthand experience working on the ground—in the town, not the gown of the theoretical Ivory Tower.

Migration to an open-access platform removes obstacles and allows for a greater exchange of ideas and discussion across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.