Section: Research Groups
Science Studies Unit
History
The Science Studies Unit was founded in 1964 by the late David Edge (1932-2003), as an experimental venture, with the help of a generous grant from the Wolfson Foundation. The 'experimental' period was fixed at five years, and ended in March, 1971. Due to its clear success the University assumed full support of the unit. Originally part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Science Studies Unit moved into the Faculty of Social Sciences in 1992, and has been part of the School of Social and Political Studies since its formation in 2001. It now stands as a core research group within the Science Technology and Innovation Subject Group.
Members of the Science Studies Unit in the early 1980s
Back row, left to right: Mike Barfoot, Steven Shapin,
Carole Tansley, Moyra Forrest, Andy Pickering, Dave Smith.
Front row: David Bloor, David Edge, Barry Barnes, David Miller.
David Edge recruited a team of young and energetic lecturers to form the Unit: Barry Barnes, David Bloor, and Gary Werskey. Early research associates at the Unit included John Law, Margaret Deacon and Brian Wynne. By 1971 there was also a small group of research students and a growing library. The Unit was soon joined by the historian Steven Shapin. Together, they developed the so-called "Strong Programme" in the sociology of scientific knowledge. This highly distinctive approach proved so radical and influential that it changed the social sciences, and its practitioners became known throughout the world as the "Edinburgh School".
The aim of the Unit, as originally formulated, was 'to focus attention, by teaching and research, on those areas where scientific activities overlap with more general concerns of human societies'. This aim has been interpreted very widely. The primary focus of the Unit's work has been on studies which enlarge our theoretical understanding of the social processes operating both within the scientific community, and in its relations with society at large. Such an understanding helps to expose the complexities of the political, ethical, and intellectual problems associated with the growth of science and technology in modern society. In its teaching, the Unit has devised courses on the elements of this social understanding of science and technology in contemporary and historical settings.
The Unit is now recognised as a centre of excellence for the study of the sociology, history, and philosophy of science, medicine and technology. Through numerous changes of personnel, the Unit has maintained the highest standards of excellence in teaching and research. Since its foundation, therefore, it has consistently proved to be an exemplary embodiment of the University's commitment to the benefits of interdisciplinarity in both education and research. It has also upheld, and continues to pursue, the aims set out at its foundation.
This page was published on 18 September 2009