Founded in 1823, The Lancet, a collection of medical journals, seeks to address urgent topics in society, initiate debate, put science into context, and influence decision makers around the world. The journal is committed to applying scientific knowledge to improve health and advance human progress. In its weekly issues, and online first content, it publishes high quality science from some of the leading scientists worldwide, providing global reach and impact on health.

The Lancet has evolved as a family of journals (across Child & Adolescent Health, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Digital Health, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Global Health, Haematology, HIV, Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Oncology, Planetary Health, Psychiatry, Public Health, Respiratory Medicine, Biomedicine, Clinical Medicine), but retains at its core the belief that medicine must serve society, that knowledge must transform society, that the best science must lead to better lives.

The Lancet family of journals are committed to support authors in making their research publicly and freely available. The editors encourage all authors to post their peer-reviewed, accepted, unedited article on their personal or institutional websites any time after publication in print or online.

As an international medical journal, The Lancet invites submissions of any original contribution that advances or illuminates medical science or practice, or that educates or entertains the journal’s readers. It publishes research articles, randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses, reviews, seminars, personal views, comments, correspondence, and additional perspectives and world reports. For more information on the types of papers and manuscript requirements please read the guidelines for authors.

The Lancet has grown from a 19th century pamphlet to a high impact, international journal. It has published papers that have made a crucial contribution to science and human health.

Manifesto:

Highest standards for medical science – The Lancet sets extremely high standards.  We select only the best research papers for their quality of work and the progression they bring.

Improving lives is the only end goal – Too much research is done for research’s sake. We believe that improving lives is the only end goal and that research is only relevant when it has impact on human lives.

Increasing the social impact of science – We recognise that a great research paper is not enough and that it requires development, mobilisation, and exposure. So we promise to set agendas, create context, inform leaders, start debates, and advocate for the idea that research can and will make a difference.

The journal receives funding from authors for the article processing charges which cover costs at every stage of the publication process such as reviewing, copy editing and typesetting, and online hosting and archiving. Article processing charges, therefore, apply and vary by journal.

Authors whose main funder is located either in group A or B countries of the Health Inter Network Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) or in a country with a low UNDP human development index are exempt from payment.

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