Georgian Medical Journal (GMJ) Launch Announcement: A New International Platform for Medical Research and Public Health

We are pleased to announce the official launch of the Georgian Medical Journal (GMJ), a new independent, peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing medical science, public health research, and evidence-based health policy in Georgia and internationally.

The founding editorial, authored by Giorgi Pkhakadze, presents the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the journal as a modern scientific platform.

Read the founding editorial:
https://gmj.ge/index.php/pub/article/view/33/7

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19040129

Scope and Strategic Priorities

The Georgian Medical Journal aims to provide a high-quality scientific platform with the following priorities:

• Publication of peer-reviewed medical and public health research
• Promotion of evidence-based clinical practice and health policy
• Support for early-career researchers and academic development
• Strengthening international scientific collaboration
• Addressing national, regional, and global health challenges

Current Publications and First Issue

The journal has initiated publication of its inaugural content, including editorial articles, policy analyses, public health research papers, and commentary pieces.

The first issue (Volume 1, Issue 1 – 2026) is currently being finalized and will include multiple peer-reviewed contributions.

GMJ Podcast

To complement traditional academic publishing, the Georgian Medical Journal has launched its official podcast.

Listen on Spotify. Direct link:
https://open.spotify.com/show/33U05xcBx4ZERFpwppky7d

The podcast is intended to support knowledge translation, promote published research, and strengthen communication between academia, policy, and clinical practice.

Background and Rationale

The establishment of the Georgian Medical Journal is closely linked to discussions held during the European Union of Medical Specialists Autumn Council Meeting in Tbilisi in October 2025.

The meeting brought together academic leaders and medical professionals and highlighted the importance of strengthening Georgia’s integration into the European scientific and professional community.

During these discussions, it was recognized that, although several medical journals exist in Georgia, structural barriers continue to limit the international visibility and dissemination of Georgian research.

These barriers include high article processing charges, limited institutional funding for academic publishing, restricted access for early-career researchers to international journals, and underrepresentation of Georgian research in indexed global databases.

As a result, a portion of locally generated scientific evidence remains insufficiently visible at the international level.

Strategic Response

In response to these challenges, the Georgian Medical Journal was established as a strategic academic initiative aimed at reducing financial barriers to publication, providing an inclusive and accessible platform, strengthening national research capacity, enhancing international visibility of Georgian science, and promoting evidence-based healthcare policy.

Call for Submissions

The Georgian Medical Journal invites submissions from researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals.

Submission and publication fees are currently waived during the initial phase to encourage broad academic participation.

About the Author

Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD
Professor of Public Health, David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia; Chair, Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG); Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Georgian Medical Journal (GMJ).