APHA 2025 Recap: Key Takeaways in Digital Public Health

Thank you to every public health professional, student, publisher, and partner who visited JMIR Publications at Booth #1114. The APHA 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo in Washington, DC was a resounding success for the team! The expo hall was buzzing with energy and meaningful conversation.

What We Heard at the Booth

Our time at APHA allowed us to connect directly with researchers, and we were thrilled by the feedback we received:

• Positive Author Experience: Current JMIR authors reported a highly positive publishing experience, often noting how efficient our processes are and praising the valuable, high-quality feedback they received from both our editors and peer reviewers.
• Interest in Policy: Our innovative cascading peer review policy was a huge hit among attendees, and we were excited to see so many students and professionals interested in registering as peer reviewers. Learn more here. 
• Supporting Students: We had great discussions with public health students who inquired about discount and waiver opportunities. We emphasized Institutional Partnerships as the most efficient way for faculty and researchers to publish open access, streamlining payments and reducing administrative burdens. Check our Institutional Partners list or email partnerships@jmir.org to start the conversation about a new partnership for your institution.

Key Trends from the Floor

Beyond our booth, the conference highlighted critical directions for the field:

1. Attendee Video Testimonials: We were inspired by video testimonials from attendees answering: "Digital health research is crucial now because..." Watch the full videos on our YouTube channel.
2. The Growing Role of AI and Data Equity: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into public health systems was everywhere. The strongest theme was data equity, with researchers focused on ensuring responsible AI development that avoids perpetuating existing health disparities.
3. Digital Solutions for Global Health Challenges: We saw incredible work showcasing how mobile apps, remote monitoring, and telemedicine are essential for tackling complex global health issues, from infectious disease surveillance to maternal health in low-resource settings.

Helpful Resources

It was truly inspiring to connect with so many of you and hear about your current research and projects! The conversations reinforced the importance of sharing impactful work. That's why we encourage you to check out our ongoing Calls for Papers—it's your opportunity to contribute to the field. And don't forget to explore the Editor's Picks! They are an essential, curated resource designed to quickly bring you up to speed on the most influential recent content from our two public health themed journals.

If you connected with us about a submission or an idea, don't wait! We invite you to check out our Author Information Hub to find the best-fit journal for your work and submit your paper today. Don't forget to use our APHA conference discount code, APHA25100APF, to save $100 off the APC! We look forward to publishing your next great contribution to digital public health!

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