Social Studies of Science: A Leading Academic Journal in STS
In the intersection of scientific discovery and societal impact lies the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). At the forefront of this intellectual pursuit is Social Studies of Science, a bimonthly peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the history, philosophy, and sociology of science. By examining how science is produced and how it interacts with the world, the journal provides a critical platform for understanding the mechanisms of modern knowledge.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1971 (originally as Science Studies).
- Frequency: Published bimonthly.
- Publisher: SAGE Publications.
- Impact Factor: 4.038 (2020).
- Current Editors-in-Chief: Nicole Nelson and Sergio Sismondo.
- Core Disciplines: History of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science.
Founding and Interdisciplinary Vision
The journal was launched in 1971 by founding editors Roy MacLeod and David Edge. From its inception, the publication sought to bring "fresh light" to the concepts, processes, and consequences of modern science through both empirical and theoretical research.
The founders envisioned a truly interdisciplinary approach—meaning the integration of multiple academic branches to solve complex problems. To achieve this, the journal encourages contributions from a wide array of fields, including:
- Sociology and Social Anthropology
- Philosophy and History
- Political Science and Economics
- Legal and Educational disciplines
This broad scope allows the journal to cover everything from fundamental university research to applied industrial science and government-led scientific initiatives.
Editorial Leadership and Evolution
Originally titled Science Studies, the journal adopted its current name, Social Studies of Science, in 1975. Over the decades, it has been guided by distinguished scholars who have shaped the trajectory of STS.
Past and Present Editors
The journal's leadership has evolved through several key eras:
- Roy MacLeod: 1971–1991
- David Edge: 1971–2002
- Michael Lynch: 2002–2012
- Sergio Sismondo: 2012–present
- Nicole Nelson: 2022–2023
Currently, the journal is led by Sergio Sismondo, a Professor of Philosophy and Arts & Sciences at Queen's University, and Nicole Nelson, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical History and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Academic Standing and Indexing
Social Studies of Science is highly regarded within the academic community. It is indexed in major databases, including Scopus and the Social Sciences Citation Index, ensuring its research reaches a global audience of scholars.
According to the Journal Citation Reports, the publication holds a strong position in its field. With an impact factor of 3.2 in certain reporting periods (and 4.038 in 2020), it has been ranked as high as 6th out of 111 journals in the "History of Philosophy and Science" category.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print) | 0306-3127 |
| ISSN (Web) | 1460-3659 |
| LCCN | 75645506 |
| OCLC Number | 2242476 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Soc. Stud. Sci. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Social Studies of Science?
The journal focuses on original empirical and theoretical research regarding the history, philosophy, and sociology of science, exploring the processes and consequences of modern scientific practice.
Who publishes the journal?
The journal is currently published by SAGE Publications.
How often is the journal published?
It is a bimonthly publication, meaning it releases issues every two months.
Was the journal always called Social Studies of Science?
No, it was established in 1971 under the name Science Studies and changed to its current title in 1975.
Which academic disciplines contribute to the journal?
The journal is interdisciplinary, welcoming contributions from sociology, philosophy, history, political science, economics, social anthropology, and legal and educational studies.