UCL Science and Technology Studies (STS)’s Post

Dive into the historical evolution and contemporary challenges of assessing the socioeconomic impact of publicly funded research with insights from the Institute for Scientific Information. Learn more in our new blog: https://lnkd.in/eecGePeR

Learn more about the emerging field of complexity science and visualization through the lens of interdisciplinary creativity in this article from Liuhuaying Yang and Paul Kahn: https://ow.ly/z2AM50RB5rN

Her insights into the instability of genes and their location on chromosomes still hasn‘t been digested by the community. There isn‘t a single human genome. We each have a unique set including millions of mutations, deletions, rearrangements and duplications. These are the dominant source of human variation which far surpass any acretion of novel mutations during our lifetime, e.g. from cosmic radiation, fall-out or mechanical stress. The increase of defect genes in sperm of older men is, however, statistically significant. Still: avoid UV in sunlight and use UV-blockers! (melanoma)

Overall, the special issue contributions, with their diversity of perspectives, help to more substantively elaborate the full meaning of transformative science for and with society, including in and through educational interventions that can advance engaged science, and science engagement. https://buff.ly/3XzNM40

It's here! Inside our 2024 Annual Report, learn how science at Whitehead Institute bridges the gap between discovery and solutions to complex global challenges: https://lnkd.in/eH7gxc_M

Now, what else do we have from Parergon vol 41.1? A special article cluster on Renaissance art and science! In her introduction to the cluster, Andrea Bubenik looks at the fuzzy boundary between art and science in early modern thought. https://lnkd.in/gfMRUBnV

Wilson Center | Science and Technology Innovation Program's latest piece written by Kristen Marcinek and Joyce Chen is a great "overview of projects that engage the public in environmental and ecological research, identifying the benefits, some challenges, and types of projects." Check it out! ⬇

Congratulations Dr. Miles! I can say first hand the role of your articles on research gap, problem statement development, unit of analysis, and the most significant was the text on dissertation methodology that I used even at the very end of my doctoral journey. I had a practice-knowledge gap in my study, which means the traditional approach within K-12 education is based on norms instead of being empirically grounded and data oriented. Your article made it possible for my first of its kind research that will break new ground in teacher professional development. My findings that almost 7 out of 10 student achievement in every subject domain is predicted by teacher perceptions of student learning behaviors means negative perceptions by teachers leads to negative learning outcomes for students in reading, math, and science. I would not have been able to design this advanced analytical study without your articles and book you and Adu authored in 2023! I mastered my statistical approach under your expertise in AMOS, SPSS using ML, correlations, and more for my 12,000 participant secondary dataset. Your book guided my cleaning of data, and your articles guided my narrative about the unit of analysis used in my study.

Are you doing research in peace and conflict studies? Merel Selleslach, Nils Duquet and I are looking forward to submissions to the workshop "Addressing Contemporary Challenges to Global Peace and Security" at the upcoming meeting of the Dutch-Flemish political science community in Maastricht. The workshop endeavours to adopt a comprehensive approach to peace research, encompassing diverse methods (quantitative and qualitative) and levels of analysis (local, national, international), research perspectives (international relations, comparative politics, peace & conflict studies), and policy domains. Central to the discussion is an exploration of the multifaceted role that peace research can assume within policy frameworks. Emphasis will be placed on how insights derived from peace research can guide policymakers in formulating effective responses to the prevailing challenges for peace and security at local, national, and international levels. The workshop will be organized in four panels focusing on (1) everyday peace in the Low Countries, (2) international peace and security, (3) post-conflict peace peacebuilding, and (4) an interactive discussion on challenges and opportunities for policy impact. You can find the call for paper here: https://lnkd.in/evgz663R.

I was honored to be a panelist at the PA Science Policy Forum. It was a fulfilling experience to share insights on creating policy and building partnerships that leverage science and technology. I always find these opportunities to empower and learn from the next generation of scientists, policymakers, and leaders deeply motivating. Some key themes emphasized during our discussion on science and technology policy included: - Building trust with your audience - Identifying common ground and shared interests - Using plain language and creative communication methods to convey technical information - Critically evaluating the potential intended and unintended consequences of policy decisions (pilot programs can be helpful!) It is important to recognize the essential role of academic research in data-driven policy as we seek solutions to society's most pressing challenges. It's clear that diverse perspectives, experiences, and disciplines will be essential for finding creative and effective solutions.