Project Description
“Dialogues Across Health, Science, Humanities, and Archives” (DAHSHA) is a peer reviewed journal that explores the consequences of developments in the fields of health, the sciences, the humanities, and archives. The journal provides a platform for scholars to explore the consequences of developments in those fields by applying historical, cultural, social, and scientific perspectives to pedagogy, research, and advocacy.
Project Background
The editors of DASHSA began their collaboration because of a common interest in the challenges and benefits posed by nuclear energy, weaponry, and waste to the health and well-being of diverse human populations and the environment.
As the editors delved into the range of radiation-related issues, they saw a need for dialogue encompassing more than just local effects of radiation. That led the editors to re-evaluate and expand the focus of the publication. Health issues, such as the effects of radiation and the recent Covid outbreaks, are not limited by international borders and involve every aspect of human endeavor, including health care, scientific studies, and the humanities. Historical, cultural, social, health, and scientific perspectives blend across cultures and geopolitical boundaries.
The career of William “Jack” Schull (1922-2017), PhD, provided the principle inspiration for this publication. Dr. Schull was known primarily for his work in the study of the effects of radiation on human populations. However, he had a varied career characterized by his concern for his fellow humans. Throughout his career, he emphasized collaboration and mentorship. The editors of this publication follow his example by mentoring undergraduate, graduate, professional and post-graduate students in all aspects of this journal.
As we launch this dialogue, major ongoing events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate-related disasters, pose complex challenges to scientists and health policy advocates who must navigate across differing historical contexts and cultural attitudes to find solutions. Schull’s work and his collaboration with several of the founding editors taught us that radiation/nuclear events were often linked by a common atmosphere and concern for humanity. Yet his research in genetics illustrated the benefit of weaving different disciplines and perspectives together through scholarship resulting, in a sense, in a dialogue.
We envision this journal expanding beyond questions of radiation and intend for issues to engage with the many areas of research that Schull pursued. This publication is a venue where diverse voices can explore the issues of these complex problems and share information across disciplines, foster an outlet for undergraduate and graduate research, and encourage international cooperation and the exchange of information. This publication seeks voices who can apply historical, cultural, social, and scientific perspectives to pedagogy, research, and advocacy.
Project scope
This publication aims to inform medical practitioners, researchers, medical humanists, and scientists about individuals’ understandings of complex health-related issues and their effects; highlight some of the obstacles to reaching policies that engage multiple nations; and provide possible ways forward. Also, this endeavor will provide a venue for sharing scientific findings on health-related issues’ effects and encourage studies to explore the historical and cultural context of their work. Complex health issues are a global concern that require policies and knowledge that cross national borders. Understanding the cultural contexts in which biological data is collected, shared, and interpreted is vital in designing and implementing successful treatment and research practices, public health education, and health policies.
Article Types
The publication seeks manuscripts that address health effects from multiple disciplinary and professional perspectives. In addition to manuscripts, the journal may include interviews (video or audio), graphic narratives, photographs or photo essays, and other multimedia projects. The editors welcome submissions in all of these media. The editorial board, staff, and invited expert external reviewers are solely responsible for vetting, accepting, editing, and reviewing manuscripts.
Benefits to Rice students
The publication seeks to feature work from Rice undergraduate and graduate students interested in the medical humanities or health professions, all of whom have access to archival resources at Fondren Library’s Woodson Research Center and the Texas Medical Center Library’s McGovern Historical Center, which has extensive collections related to radiation and health care.
Acknowledgements
Fondren Library’s Digital Scholarship Services
Schull Institute: The editors thank the Schull Institute for its assistance and support. The Schull Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations while achieving the highest level of education and research in genetics, public health informatics, and archival research.