Social Studies of Science
The 1971 inaugural issue of Science Studies opened with a bold declaration from its founding editors. Roy MacLeod and David Edge stood at the threshold of a new academic field. They promised to devote themselves to original research that brought fresh light to modern science. Their vision extended beyond traditional scientific inquiry into the social dimensions of knowledge production. The journal would welcome contributions from political science, sociology, economics, history, philosophy, and social anthropology. It aimed to study fundamental research alongside applied development in universities, industry, and government. This interdisciplinary approach marked a sharp departure from existing scholarly traditions. The founders sought to understand how society shapes science just as much as science shapes society.
Four years after its launch, the journal underwent a significant transformation. In 1975, Science Studies changed its name to Social Studies of Science. This shift reflected growing recognition that science could not be understood without examining its social contexts. The editorial leadership evolved over subsequent decades to reflect changing academic priorities. Current editors-in-chief include Nicole Nelson from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Sergio Sismondo from Queen's University. Nelson holds an Associate Professor position in Medical History and Bioethics. Sismondo serves as Professor of Philosophy and Arts & Sciences at Queen's University. These appointments signal continued commitment to bridging philosophical analysis with empirical historical work. The journal maintains its bimonthly publication schedule while adapting to new scholarly demands.
Scholarly visibility for the journal grew through inclusion in major databases. Scopus now abstracts and indexes every issue published since its inception. The Social Sciences Citation Index provides another layer of academic tracking and citation analysis. Journal Citation Reports assign it an impact factor of 4.038. This ranking places it first among 111 journals in the category "History of Philosophy and Science". Such metrics demonstrate the journal's influence within its specific field. Researchers frequently cite articles when exploring how scientific knowledge develops socially. The high ranking reflects consistent quality in peer-reviewed content. Academic institutions rely on these indexing services to evaluate research output and disciplinary contributions.
SAGE Publications manages the distribution of this bimonthly peer-reviewed journal. The publisher handles production, marketing, and global dissemination of each issue. SAGE ensures that articles reach libraries, universities, and individual subscribers worldwide. Their infrastructure supports the rigorous editorial process required by academic standards. The company maintains digital archives allowing researchers access to decades of scholarship. Commercial publishing partnerships enable the journal to sustain operations without compromising editorial independence. Authors submit manuscripts expecting professional handling from submission to publication. The relationship between editor and publisher balances scholarly integrity with practical distribution needs.
The journal covers a wide range of fields examining modern science through social lenses. Articles explore sociology, history, philosophy, political science, economics, and legal disciplines. Social anthropology contributes additional perspectives on how communities interact with scientific practices. Studies examine fundamental research alongside applied development across multiple sectors. University science receives attention alongside industrial science and government-funded initiatives. This breadth allows scholars to trace connections between different types of knowledge production. Political scientists analyze policy impacts while philosophers examine conceptual foundations. Historians document changes over time as economists study funding patterns. The interdisciplinary nature creates rich dialogue between traditionally separate academic domains. Each article must demonstrate relevance to understanding science within its social context.
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Common questions
When did the journal Science Studies change its name to Social Studies of Science?
The journal changed its name in 1975, four years after its original launch. This transformation reflected a growing recognition that science could not be understood without examining its social contexts.
Who are the current editors-in-chief of Social Studies of Science?
Current editors-in-chief include Nicole Nelson from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Sergio Sismondo from Queen's University. Nelson holds an Associate Professor position in Medical History and Bioethics while Sismondo serves as Professor of Philosophy and Arts & Sciences at Queen's University.
What is the impact factor of Social Studies of Science according to Journal Citation Reports?
Journal Citation Reports assign Social Studies of Science an impact factor of 4.038. This ranking places it first among 111 journals in the category History of Philosophy and Science.
Which publisher manages the distribution of Social Studies of Science?
SAGE Publications manages the distribution of this bimonthly peer-reviewed journal. The publisher handles production, marketing, and global dissemination of each issue to libraries, universities, and individual subscribers worldwide.
In what year did Roy MacLeod and David Edge publish the inaugural issue of Science Studies?
The 1971 inaugural issue of Science Studies opened with a bold declaration from its founding editors. Roy MacLeod and David Edge stood at the threshold of a new academic field that promised to devote itself to original research bringing fresh light to modern science.