International Journal of Epidemiology

International Journal of Epidemiology
Title	International Journal of Epidemiology
Abbreviation	Int. J. Epidemiol.
Discipline	Epidemiology, Public health
Editor	John Ioannidis
Publisher	Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association
Country	United Kingdom
History	1972–present
Frequency	Bimonthly
Openaccess	Hybrid
Impact	7.7
Impact-year	2022
ISSN	0300-5771
EISSN	1464-3685
OCLC	01790107
Website	https://academic.oup.com/ije
JSTOR	03005771

International Journal of Epidemiology is a leading peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes original research, reviews, and debates on global population health. It serves as the official publication of the International Epidemiological Association, providing a key forum for methodological advances and substantive findings in the field. The journal is published by Oxford University Press and is edited by prominent methodologies, emphasizing rigorous study design and critical appraisal of evidence.

History and background

The journal was established in 1972 under the auspices of the International Epidemiological Association, an organization founded to foster collaboration among scientists worldwide. Its creation was championed by influential figures like Walter Holland and John Pemberton, who sought to create a dedicated platform for epidemiological research beyond national borders. Early editorial leadership was provided by individuals such as Donald Reid and Mervyn Susser, who helped shape its academic standards during a period of rapid growth for the discipline. The journal's partnership with Oxford University Press, which began in the late 20th century, facilitated its transition to a globally distributed publication, expanding its reach from its original base in the United Kingdom.

Scope and editorial focus

The journal's scope encompasses the entire spectrum of epidemiological inquiry, from infectious disease dynamics to the determinants of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. It places a strong emphasis on methodological innovation, including studies on causal inference, Mendelian randomization, and the analysis of large datasets from biobanks like the UK Biobank. A core focus is on global health equity, publishing research on social determinants of health, health disparities, and evaluations of public health interventions in diverse settings, from Sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia. The journal also features critical commentaries, debates on controversial topics, and educational pieces aimed at advancing the practice of epidemiology.

Abstracting, indexing, and impact

The journal is abstracted and indexed in major scientific databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, the Science Citation Index Expanded, and the Scopus database. According to the Journal Citation Reports, it has consistently held a high impact factor, reflecting its influence within public health and medicine. Its articles are frequently cited in high-profile publications like The Lancet and the Journal of the American Medical Association, and it is ranked among the top journals in the categories of "Public, Environmental & Occupational Health". The journal's content is also archived in services like JSTOR, ensuring long-term preservation and access to its historical scientific record.

Notable articles and contributions

The journal has published several landmark papers that have shaped modern epidemiological thought. Seminal work on the fetal origins hypothesis by David Barker was extensively debated in its pages, influencing research on developmental origins of health and disease. It has featured pivotal studies from major cohorts such as the Framingham Heart Study and the Whitehall II Study, examining links between social class and mortality. Methodological contributions, including key papers on addressing confounding and selection bias, have become standard references. The journal also gained attention for publishing critical reassessments of major public health issues, such as the global obesity epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Editorial board and governance

The journal operates under the governance of the International Epidemiological Association and is led by an editor-in-chief, a position held by John Ioannidis of Stanford University. The editorial board comprises a diverse panel of leading scientists from institutions worldwide, including the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Harvard University, and the University of Tokyo. This board is responsible for peer review oversight and strategic direction, ensuring the journal maintains its scientific rigor. The editorial team works closely with Oxford University Press on production and distribution, upholding the publication standards associated with the University of Oxford.

Open access policy

The journal operates a hybrid open access model, allowing authors to choose whether to publish their work under a traditional subscription or an open access license. Articles published as open access are made freely available immediately upon publication under a Creative Commons license, typically the CC BY license. This policy aligns with initiatives like Plan S and funder mandates from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the Wellcome Trust. The journal also provides green open access options, permitting authors to deposit accepted manuscripts in repositories like PubMed Central after an embargo period, facilitating broader dissemination of research.

Category:English-language journals Category:Epidemiology journals Category:Oxford University Press academic journals Category:Publications established in 1972 Category:Bimonthly journals