While ESHMS does not publish its own journal, we maintain close relationships with several peer-reviewed journals that play an important role in health and medical sociology and in adjacent fields. These journals reflect scholarly values we share and uphold theory-informed, rigorous, and socially engaged research. We invite our members and the wider community to consider these trusted outlets when choosing where to publish their work.
Scientific Publishing Today
At the 20th ESHMS Conference in Antwerp (2024), a dedicated round table on the future of scientific publishing, brought together five leading editors who have shaped key journals in the field for years, to address the profound transformations currently reshaping scientific publishing:
- Ellen Annandale, Foundation for the Sociology of Health & Illness
- Hannah Bradby, Frontiers Medical Sociology
- Terje Eikemo, Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
- Karen Lowton, Sociology of Health & Illness
- Olaf von dem Knesebeck, International Journal of Public Health
Their discussion underscored the profound challenges currently facing scientific publishing. These included
- the shifts in publishing business models, translated into a rapid expansion of mega-journals and its implications for quality assurance (Ioannidis et al., JAMA, 2023);
- the rise of predatory and deceptive or low-quality publishing practices, which undermine trust in scholarly communication (Shen & Björk, BMC Medicine, 2015);
- structural changes linked to open access models, including the escalating costs of article processing charges and the growing market power of major publishers (Butler et al., Quantitative Science Studies, 2023).
- the impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, on peer review and editorial integrity.
Together, these issues underscore the need for reliable, community-driven publishing spaces where rigorous scholarship in health and medical sociology can flourish—a principle that guides ESHMS in identifying and recommending trusted partner journals
Partner Journals
Social Theory & Health
A leading journal at the intersection of sociology, social theory, and health. Several ESHMS members, including past Advisory Board members, have contributed to its editorial leadership.
Focus: social theory, health, illness, inequalities.
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
A well-established journal publishing work across the field of public health, with a sociological and policy-relevant orientation (and welcoming manuscripts in both public health and sociological formats). Current and former editors have longstanding ties with ESHMS. ESHMS is co-organising special issues linked to the theme of the biennial conference, in order to foster sociological contributions to contemporary public health debate.
Focus: public health, health systems, inequalities.
International Journal of Public Health
A global public health journal grounded in population-based and policy-focused research, owned by the non-profit Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+). The journal has close links to ESHMS through journal editors and SSPH+ Faculty members who have been involved in the Society’s activities.
Focus: public health, epidemiology, health policy, population studies.
Why These Journals Matter
These journals support theoretically informed, methodologically rigorous, and socially meaningful research in health and medical sociology. By highlighting them, ESHMS aims to:
- guide early-career researchers toward trustworthy publication venues;
- strengthen ties between the Society and journals aligned with our scholarly values;
- promote high-quality publishing practices in a rapidly changing landscape.
Members are welcome to suggest additional journals with strong and demonstrated links to the ESHMS community.