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Overview
Foundational Journal
The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal, established in England in 1823. It is recognized as one of the world's highest-impact academic journals and is among the oldest continuously published medical journals.
Global Reach and Influence
With editorial offices in London, New York City, and Beijing, The Lancet maintains a significant global presence. It publishes original research, review articles, editorials, and other content, influencing medical practice and policy worldwide.
Academic Standing
Consistently ranked among the top journals in general medicine, The Lancet boasts a substantial impact factor, demonstrating its significant influence within the scientific community. It is owned by Elsevier and has been edited by Richard Horton since 1995.
History
Origins and Vision
Founded in 1823 by Thomas Wakley, an English surgeon, The Lancet was named after the surgical instrument, the lancet. Wakley's motivation stemmed from a desire to reform perceived corruption in London's medical services and to disseminate medical knowledge broadly, adopting a notably radical and left-leaning stance for its time.
Growth and Evolution
The journal faced early legal challenges, including copyright infringement and defamation lawsuits, all of which it successfully defended, bolstering its reputation. Its readership grew significantly, reaching over 8,000 subscribers within seven years and dominating UK medical news by 1840. The Wakley family maintained editorial control until 1908, followed by acquisitions by Hodder & Stoughton and later Elsevier in 1991.
Social Mission and Equity
The Lancet is recognized for its commitment to social justice and health equity. Under Richard Horton's editorship, the journal has prioritized articles addressing issues in low- and middle-income countries and has actively engaged with topics of racial and ethnic equity in science and medicine.
Articles and Publications
Early Impact
In its early years, The Lancet played a role in exposing unhygienic hospital conditions, prompting government action. It published seminal works, including reports on blood transfusions and Joseph Lister's foundational work on antiseptic principles. It also covered early research on "shell shock" during World War I.
Publication Process
The Lancet reportedly accepts only about 5% of submissions, with a rapid initial review process followed by extensive peer review and potential revisions. Authors must adhere to International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines. While submission is free, an optional sponsorship fee of $5,000 is available for accepted articles.
Notable Contributions
The journal has published significant findings, such as the early articles on shell shock and, more recently, detailed accounts of the poisoning and treatment of Alexei Navalny. Its publications span a wide range of medical disciplines and societal issues.
Ranking and Impact
Journal Metrics
The Lancet consistently ranks at the forefront of general medicine journals. According to major citation indexes, it holds top positions:
Impact Factor
In 2024, The Lancet reported an impact factor of 88.5, securing the first position among journals in the "Medicine, General & Internal" category. This metric underscores its significant influence and citation frequency within the academic medical field.
Public Recognition
Beyond academic citations, The Lancet is frequently cited in general newspapers globally, often more so than other leading medical journals like The BMJ, NEJM, and JAMA, indicating its broad public relevance.
Scientific and Editorial Controversies
MMR Vaccine and Autism (1998)
A 1998 paper suggesting a link between the MMR vaccine and autism spectrum disorder led to significant public concern. The journal later published statements from co-authors repudiating the findings and retracted the paper in 2010 due to fatal conflicts of interest and ethical misconduct by the lead author, Andrew Wakefield.
Iraq War Death Tolls (2004-2006)
The Lancet published studies estimating Iraqi war casualties, with a 2006 follow-up suggesting over 654,000 excess deaths. These estimates drew criticism regarding methodology and data verification, sparking debate about the journal's role in reporting conflict-related mortality.
COVID-19 Related Controversies
The journal faced scrutiny for publishing the Surgisphere study on hydroxychloroquine (later retracted) and a letter dismissing the COVID-19 lab-leak theory, which was criticized for suppressing scientific debate and failing to disclose conflicts of interest. An op-ed in 2024 reiterated the natural origin theory.
Editorial and Social Commentary
The Lancet has engaged in public discourse on sensitive topics, including a 2003 editorial advocating a complete tobacco ban, an open letter on the Gaza conflict criticized for its perceived bias, and a controversial cover referencing "bodies with vaginas," which prompted apologies and resignations from some contributors.
Macchiarini Case (2023)
In 2023, The Lancet retracted two papers concerning tissue-engineered trachea transplants by Paolo Macchiarini, following an investigation that found fabricated information. This followed a 2015 editorial where the journal had stated Macchiarini was not guilty of scientific misconduct.
Editors-in-Chief
Historical Leadership
The editorial leadership of The Lancet has spanned nearly two centuries, beginning with its founder, Thomas Wakley. The Wakley family maintained editorial control for several decades.
Current Editor
Richard Horton has served as the editor-in-chief of The Lancet since 1995. His tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on the journal's social mission, health equity, and engagement with global health challenges.
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Important Notice
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