Jan 20, 2022
Celebrating 50 years of Policy & Politics
In 2022 we are celebrating 50 years of Policy & Politics. Since 1972, the journal has engaged with the key issues at the interface of public policy, social policy and politics. The journal has published scholarship that has shaped a broad range of debates across disciplines and built a vibrant community of authors and readers.
Editorially-based at the School for Policy Studies (SPS), University of Bristol and published by Bristol University Press’ imprint Policy Press, Policy & Politics has developed into a world-leading journal and ranks in the highest quartile of politics journals internationally.
Julia Mortimer, Journals and Open Access Director, Bristol University Press says of the landmark anniversary:
'We are so proud to see Policy & Politics reach this important milestone. The success of the journal is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, including the team at SPS and a long line of visionary editors.'
The current journal Editors commented:
‘We are very excited to be stewarding the journal through its 50th year in 2022 and remain committed to our three principles for publishing the best scholarship: comprehensive coverage of public policy, politics and social issues, inclusivity in research approaches and relevance for science and practice.
We look forward to reading your work featuring new and exciting advances in the field and to Policy and Politics’ continued commitment to communicating those advances to our communities and to the broader public.’
Oscar Berglund, Sarah Brown, Claire Dunlop, Elizabeth Koebele and Chris Weible, Policy & Politics Editorial Team
50 years of history
Our latest issue includes an outline of how Policy & Politics evolved from a journal focusing on local government in the UK into a world-leading publication engaging in an inclusive, pluralist and global policy agenda. The journal is well respected in both Public Administration and Political Science, consistently earning a place in the top quartile of these categories in the Journal Citation Reports. Policy & Politics’ growth has been reflected by its Impact Factor, which is currently at an all-time high of 3.750.
Looking to the future
Our 50th volume starts by looking to the future of the field with the special issue ‘Taking risks and breaking new frontiers’. This issue makes a statement about the study of policy and politics, how it is done and where it is going. It brings together scholarship from across disciplines to explore some of the cardinal challenges in the field. We are kicking off our anniversary celebrations by making this issue free to access throughout January and February.
A new look for a new era
We have updated the journal’s cover to better communicate Policy & Politics’ mission to link academic communities and foster inclusivity in research approaches and within our own publication process. We have also given the Policy & Politics blog a fresh new look.
Explore the archive
Every issue of Policy & Politics is available to access online now. Premium subscription holders can access all 50 volumes, including over 1000 articles. The Policy & Politics archive (all issues 1972-2010) is also available for outright purchase.
See what else we have in store
We will be marking the anniversary with special events, a second boundary pushing special issue and free access to featured content throughout the year. Follow @Policy_politics on Twitter and sign up for the newsletter to learn more.
Thank you
Finally, we want to thank all Policy & Politics’ authors, editors, reviewers and readers. You are integral to the success of the journal. We are also grateful to the Bristol University School for Policy Studies for co-producing the journal with us.