Call for papers - Sun safety

Guest Editors

Katharina Diehl, PhD, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Tatiana Goerig, PhD, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Alberto Modenese, MD, PhD, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 25 July 2025

BMC Public Health is calling for submissions to our Collection on Sun safety.

This Collection seeks to gather research on sun safety, addressing the multifaceted aspects of sun protection behaviors, sunscreen use, and sun safety education. We welcome submissions that explore interventions and policies aimed at promoting sun-safe practices and reducing the burden of skin cancer, with the ultimate goal of informing evidence-based strategies to protect public health.

New Content Item This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.

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Meet the Guest Editors

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Katharina Diehl, PhD, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

Katharina Diehl is Professor for Epidemiology and Public Health at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany. Professor Diehl’s research is focused on skin cancer prevention. Her work includes research on intentional indoor and outdoor tanning as well as sun protection behaviors in the general population and in specific subgroups and settings. Katharina is a member of the Working Group on Dermatological Prevention (ADP), Committee 6 “Non-ionizing Radiation” of the German Radiation Protection Commission (SSK), and the Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF).

Tatiana Goerig, PhD, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

Dr Goerig is a Research Fellow at the Professorship of Epidemiology and Public Health, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. With a background in medical sociology and public health, Dr Goerig's research focuses on risk and protective behaviours related to ultraviolet radiation in Germany. Tatiana is particularly interested in exploring the determinants of these behaviours, especially in vulnerable groups such as outdoor workers and children, and in identifying targets for preventive interventions.

Alberto Modenese, MD, PhD, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

Alberto Modenese is Professor of Occupational Medicine and Coordinator of the Residency School of Occupational Medicine at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UniMoRe). Professor Modenese is a Commissioner of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and Chair of the Scientific Committee "Radiation and Work" of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH). Alberto's research interests are in particular the evaluation and prevention of health risks related to occupational exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiations (EMF and optical radiation), occupational epidemiology and systematic reviews in OSH: he published more than 150 scientific contributions in the OSH area (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0850-5615).

About the Collection

BMC Public Health is calling for submissions to our Collection on Sun safety.

The focus on sun safety is crucial for public health due to the significant risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, associated with excessive sun exposure. This collection seeks to gather research on various aspects of sun safety, including behaviors, sunscreen use, sun safety education, and interventions to promote sun-safe practices.

Advancing our understanding of sun safety is vital for developing evidence-based strategies and policies to reduce skin cancer rates. Recent progress highlights the effectiveness of educational campaigns and community interventions in promoting sun protection. Environmental and policy approaches, like providing shade in outdoor areas and implementing sun protection policies in schools and workplaces, also play key roles.

Future research aims to develop innovative interventions using technology, such as wearable UV monitoring devices and smartphone apps, to promote sun safety. Understanding psychosocial and cultural influences on sun protection behaviors will inform tailored interventions for diverse populations. We welcome submissions across a broad range of topics including but not limited to:

Sun protection behaviors
Skin cancer prevention
Sunscreen use and efficacy
Interventions to promote sun safety

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Sun safety" from the dropdown menu.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all of the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.