A focus on sci-fi and the social responsibility of science at upcoming HSTM Conference
The impact of science fiction and the social responsibility of science are two of the keynote presentations at the upcoming History of Science, Technology and Medicine Conference (HSTM) in conjunction with Celsius at DCU St Patrick’s Campus on Friday and Saturday, November 11th and 12th.
On Friday, November 11th, Professor Peter Bowler of Queen’s University, Belfast will explore the emergence of the science fiction genre over the course of the 20th century and also how science writers were determined to predict future developments, particularly in areas which had a practical application.
“Predicting the Future of Science and Technology from HG Wells to Isaac Asimov,” Professor Bowler will examine the genre of sci-fi using HG Wells and Isaac Asimov as two examples of authors who wrote in both genres and made serious and ultimately, accurate, predictions about the future.
On Saturday, November 12th, Dr Maja Horst of the University of Copenhagen will look at the topic of the social responsibility of science by examining the interaction between political and state institutions where policy is decided; the managerial level of scientific organisations where policies are implemented and finally, in the laboratory where scientists decide how to create new knowledge in the best way.
Dr Horst will discuss what happens when politics, state institutions and industry influence science. What is the best way to integrate all levels and serve the needs of society? What boundary lines must be observed? And, what is the best rationale to apply when attempting to examine what exactly is the responsibility of science and scientists?
Discussions on state science policy, the role of science fiction, early modern medicine, developments in cancer care and dentistry and socio-cultural influences which impacted on medicine and medical practices during the 19th and 20th century will also take place over the course of the two days.
Registration is required on the following link