Communications Health is an open access journal from Nature Portfolio publishing high-quality research, reviews and commentary in all population health-related areas of research. The papers we publish represent significant advances that bring new insights to a specialized area of health research. We also provide a community forum for issues of importance to scientists, practitioners and policymakers working on health-related research, regardless of sub-discipline. The scope of the journal includes all areas of research into understanding, protecting and improving the health of populations. Types of research considered include: Observational studies Interventional studies Qualitative and mixed-methods research Modelling studies Health economic evaluations Systematic reviews and meta-analyses Cohort profiles Methodological developments Topics considered include: Infectious disease epidemiology Epidemics and outbreaks Non-communicable disease epidemiology Social and environmental determinants of health Mental health and well-being Health equity and health inequalities Health systems and financing Health promotion The assessment and peer review processes are managed by our in-house professional editors supported by our editorial board members, who provide technical expertise across the breadth of health research. We are committed to rapid dissemination of important research results. Articles are published on a continuous basis to ensure swift communication of findings. Criteria for publication To be published in Communications Health, a paper needs to meet several general criteria: The conclusions are novel (novelty is not compromised by either abstracts or internet preprints) The paper provides strong evidence for the main conclusions The data are technically sound The research is presented following relevant reporting guidelines The manuscript is important to scientists, practitioners or policymakers in the specific sub-field of health research In general, to be acceptable, a paper should meet these criteria and represent an advance in understanding that is expected to influence thinking in the field.