The Sociology of Science and Technology Network (SSTNET) and the institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lisbon co-organise a scientific workshop on science and society relations on 20-21 June 2016.
Over the past few decades, the (lack of) connections between science and society have often been seen as a ‘social problem’ that needs to be addressed, given rise to specific public policies and the emergence of a new field of scientific enquiry. Under labels as different in meanings and implications as “scientific literacy”, “public understanding of science”, “public engagement with science” or “science with and for society”, the way citizens relate to science and scientists engage with society has been seen as problematic.
Sociological insights may prove particularly useful for examining the construction of science-society relations as a ‘social problem’ and how this construction depends on changing roles of science in contemporary societies and broader socio-economic and political-ideological contexts, such as neo-liberal governance discourses. Sociological approaches may analyse the plurality of actors involved in science-society relations and the networks they establish, the role of power elites from the political and economic sphere, the impact of such demands on the organisation of research institutions and career development, the particular ways different disciplines engage with the public, or the power relations that underlie encounters between scientists and citizens.
Keynote speakers in the workshop are Massimiano Bucchi (University of Trento) and Maja Horst (University of Copenhagen).
We particularly encourage contributions that critically reflect on science and society relationships and the ways in which these relationships are expected to change. Please see call for papers for more details.
The program committee of the workshop ‘the sociological gaze on science and society relations’ consists of:
- Inge van der Weijden (CWTS), co-chair of SSTNET
- Ana Delicado, Committee chair
- Harald Rohracher, SSTNET chair
- Katarina Prpic
- Fabienne Crettaz von Roten
- Bernhard Wieser
Submit an abstract to Ana Delicado.
Deadline: 31 March 2016
Location workshop: Lisbon; Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lisbon