Voices in Health Sociology, Vol. 1, No. 0.
Purpose of the blog
The purpose of this blog is manyfold. First and foremost, the blog can help increase visibility of research on health and medical sociology. By providing an informal yet professional platform, the blog allows researchers to present their work to a broader audience, including policymakers, health professionals, other researchers in diverse disciplines, and the general public. This can enhance the visibility and societal impact of sociological research on health.
Second, a health sociology blog may foster knowledge exchange and dialogue. The blog can serve as a platform where researchers, practitioners, and scholars share ideas and insights on health and medical sociology in a more relaxed and informal way. It encourages dialogue across disciplines and geographic boundaries, allowing participants to engage with emerging research trends and public health issues. At the same time, it does not have the difficulties and complications of scientific publishing, hence is more accessible for all.
Third, a blog may strengthen academic and professional networks by facilitating connections between early-career and senior researchers, providing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and interdisciplinary projects. It also promotes a sense of community within the ESHMS and helps build professional networks across Europe.
Finally, a blog is a great way to support early-career researchers—something that ESHMS stands for. The blog can be an important platform for early-career researchers to develop their writing and communication skills. It provides them with the opportunity to share their findings in a less formal setting, boosting their confidence and helping to establish their academic presence. But the support of more experienced academics becomes crucial.
Why should you write a blog post?
The blog posts are a great way to communicate research and scientific ideas with the broader public and to reach other researchers in the field. Writing and publishing blog posts can benefit both experienced and early-career researchers:
- to broaden the reach of their research;
- to develop communication skills so necessary for sharing findings with the wider audience;
- to help connect early-career and more experienced researchers;
- to enhance professional visibility;
- to contribute to the field of health sociology and social epidemiology;
- to contribute to the development of the ESHMS community and strengthen it’s presence.
Blog posts for the ESHMS Blog
Overall, blog posts are not scientific articles. They are shorter, simpler, and easier for understanding. The style should be accessible for the non-research community. The formatting should be ‘skimmable’ – so that people can read through the posts quickly and easily.
Summary of requirements:
- Topics: any topic related to the field of health and medical sociology, as well as adjacent fields: public health, social epidemiology, health, and ageing.
- Length: between 800 and 1,200 words
- Language: English (UK or US, consistently used).
- Review: Each blog post will be reviewed by 1-2 members of the ESHMS Advisory Board or by an experienced member of the ESHMS for quality and alignment with the blog’s categories. However, please note that this is not an academic peer review process.
- Tone and style: Blog posts have to be written in a simpler, accessible language than a scientific paper.
- To submit the plog post: send us the email with all the materials (see Instructions below)
Instructions and other documents
Blog post template (make a copy for your Google Drive or download as a Word document)