University of Helsinki
The STS Helsinki Seminar Series is a newly founded seminar series by the STS Helsinki research collective. Our aim is to create a space for in-depth conversations about current research in Science and Technology Studies (STS). The topics cover a wide range of contemporary issues, such as climate change, the role of experts, medicine, genetics, gender, robotics or organic food. The seminars function as a platform for strengthening the STS community in Finland and bringing STS to new audiences. All scholars, students and audiences interested in the interaction between science, society and technology are welcome!
Seminar programme/Spring 2019
Venue: 4th floor seminar room, Helsinki Collegium of Advanced Studies (HCAS), Fabianinkatu 24 (except for April 26th)
27 February, 12.15-13.45
Helena Valve, senior researcher, Finnish Environment Institute
Analysing policy processes and power with STS
18 March, 12.15-13.45
Andrea Butcher, postdoctoral researcher, University of Helsinki
The challenge of tackling antimicrobial resistance in biosocially demanding settings: the case of protein production in South Asia
26 April, 12.15-13.45
Nik Brown, Professor of Sociology, York University
TBA
NB. Different location!
20 May, 12.15-13.45
Liina-Maija Quist, postdoctoral researcher, University of Helsinki
Epistemic practices of marine scientists examining climate change
Abstracts and biographies will be made available on the STS Helsinki blog.
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Abstract for 27 February
Analysing policy processes and power with STS
Scientific experiments and the role of experimentation in the generation of scientific evidence are classic themes within science and technology studies (STS). Research in the field has created understandings of the performative, yet contested role of test designs. Drawing from studies focusing on Baltic Sea protection, I propose that STS insights have much to offer for the analysis of governance. Power ceases to be just a property that can be used to explain policy outcomes. Moreover, the contested capacities evolve not only within, but also along the material (re)arrangements that indicate what is at issue and for whom.
Dr. Helena Valve works as a Senior Researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute. Her research focuses on the politics and performance of environmental policy and natural resource management. The studies make use of the insights provided by science and technology studies (STS), and aim to contribute to the development of methodologies that acknowledge the role of materialities and material arrangements for the practicing of governance and regulation.
For more information, please contact Kamilla Karhunmaa (kamilla.karhunmaa@helsinki.fi) or Karoliina Snell (karoliina.snell@helsinki.fi)