Theme issue in memory of Björn Smedby

In the Swedish journal Socialmedicinsk tidskrift there is now an issue published in memory of Björn Smedby who was a forerunner in Swedish health services research and the first in Sweden to become professor in the subject. His research has largely focused on developing methods and models for comparing different healthcare systems. In this issue, some of the research topics Björn Smedby was involved in are highlighted. Among other things, there is a description of the rise of health services research in Sweden written by Ulrika Winblad, Wilhelm Linder and Marianne Hanning.