The European Society of Health and Medical Sociology (ESHMS) is a non-profit and independent society dedicated to advancing the sub-disciplines of health sociology and medical sociology. It was founded on 28–29 August 1983 at the University of Stirling, United Kingdom. Magdalena Sokołowska was the first president of the society and Raymond Illsley the first secretary. ESHMS is composed of scientists involved in health and medical sociology research, health policy, health promotion and social epidemiology. The official language of the society is English.
Founding and history The ESHMS was founded by Magdalena Sokolowska, Raymond Illsley, Ivo Nuyens, Per-Gunnar Svensson and Johannes Siegrist, among others, in response to the growing interest in sociological perspectives on health and medicine in Europe, including Israel. The WHO played a key role in the creation of the society. Following the 1978 Alma-Ata conference, the 34th World Health Assembly adopted the "Global strategy health for all by the year 2000". This initiative aimed to achieve an acceptable level of health "for all" individuals, enabling them "to lead a socially and economically productive life". The WHO European Office encouraged European sociologists to set up the European Society of Medical Sociology, which was founded in 1983. The society has since grown to include members from diverse academic backgrounds and countries, and serves as a forum for discussing health issues, synthetising knowledge and experiences across European countries, and creating opportunities for research and international cooperation. Key milestones in the society's development include the launch of its biennial conference and its collaborations with other international associations.
Activities The ESHMS supports various activities, including:
Organising the European biennial conference Organising workshops and summer schools. Promoting publications in the field of sociology of health and medicine. Facilitating collaborative research projects Providing networking opportunities for members. Funding research visits through dedicated grants. Awarding the best contribution in health and medical sociology with the "Excellence Prize".
Biennial Conferences The ESHMS organises a biennial conference that serves as a major platform for researchers and practitioners to present their work, exchange ideas, and network. Each conference is hosted by a different academic institution in Europe, focusing on a theme relevant to current health and medical sociology issues.
List of Biennial Conferences
Health and Medical Sociology Excellence Prize This prize aims to honour and recognize outstanding contributions in the field of health and medical sociology through the acknowledgment of the best paper published in a peer-reviewed journal over the past four years. The prize was launched in 2024.
List of Prizes
Membership Membership in the ESHMS is open to academics, researchers, and professionals interested in the sociology of health and medicine.
Governance The bodies of the ESHMS are the Executive Committee, the Advisory Board, and the General Assembly. The ESHMS is governed by an elected Advisory Board comprising academics and professionals from diverse European institutions. Within the Advisory Board, the Executive Committee is composed of the President, Vice-President and the Treasurer. The board oversees the society's activities, including the organisation of conferences and member engagement. Members of the Advisory Board are elected by the members of the ESHMS for a term of office of four years. The General Assembly serves as the main meeting of the society. This meeting takes place every two years at the biennial conference.
Past Executive Committees Below, the list of previous Executive Committees.
External links Official Website of the ESHMS
References