Author Archive for Scott Campbell

21
Mar
13

Conference: Materiality: Objects and Idioms in Historical Studies of Science and Technology

CSTHA members may be interested in the following annoucement:
 
Registration is now open for Materiality: Objects and Idioms in Historical Studies of Science and Technology. Please visit the conference website here. It will be updated with exhibit information in the coming weeks. Spaces are very limited, so register soon if you’re planning to attend. The Conference will be preceded by a public lecture by Peter Galison. Please see details of conference and lecture below.
 

Materiality: objects and idioms in historical studies of science and technology.

May 3-4, 2013
York University
Toronto, CANADA

There is a renewed interest in materiality. After the turn to discourse and signs in the late twentieth century, much recent work in the history of science and technology has revived its focus on matter and meaning, and on their fusion in the potent objects we call “things”. But materiality is about more than things.  As an historical object; as a story of origins; as a tension with immateriality; as an effect of assemblage and argument; and as a way of thinking about scholarly work, materiality begs for broader treatment.

This conference explores materiality as both historical object and emerging idiom in historical studies of science and technology. On one hand, it seeks to push into new sites of inquiry: How do we historicize materiality? When does materiality become a concern for historical actors and for scholars? How do the specific, local materialities of scientific and technical work figure in the wide-scale sweep of historical developments? But alongside new sites and questions, the conference explores emerging research tools and modes of scholarly expression that move beyond traditional text into sound, film and objects. Through paper presentations, hands-on sessions, exhibits and installations, we bring together a range of scholars and projects interested in thinking about materiality as historical object, intellectual resource, and scholarly expression.

Keynote:  Peter Galison (Harvard University)

Presenters: 

  • Katharine Anderson (York University)
  • Bob Brain (UBC)
  • Tina Choi (York University)
  • Kristen Haring (Auburn University)
  • Edward Jones-Imhotep (York University)
  • Carla Nappi (UBC)
  • Sophia Roosth (Harvard University)
  • Hanna Rose Shell (MIT)
  • Emily Thompson (Princeton University)
  • John Tresch (University of Pennsylvania)
  • William Turkel (Western University)
 
Peter Galison, Harvard University — “Time of Physics, Time of Art”
University-Wide Lecture
May 2, 2013 — 4:30pm
Robert McEwen Auditorium, Schulich School of Business
Admission: free

Abstract: In the standard picture of the history of special relativity, Henri Poincaré’s and Albert Einstein’s reformulation of simultaneity is considered a quasi-philosophical intervention, a move made possible by his dis-connection from the standard physics of the day. Meanwhile, Einstein’s engagement at the Patent Office (or Poincare¹s in the Bureau of Longitude) enter the story as lowly day jobs — irrelevant to fundamental work on the nature of the world. I have argued, on the
contrary, that the all-too material and the most abstract notions of time cross in essential ways. In a collaboration with the artist William Kentridge (“The Refusal of Time”) we explored this intersection, pushing on history, physics, and philosophy into a more associative-imaginative register. This talk is an account of this complex of problems at the boundary of art and physics history.
 
The conference is made possible by the generous support of the SSHRC Situating Science Cluster, the Institute for Science and Technology Studies, the Faculties of Science and Fine Arts, and the departments of History, Philosophy and Science and Technology Studies/Natural Science.
30
Jan
13

CSTHA-AHSTC Call for Papers / Appel de communications XVIII colloque / conference

Download PDF of Call for Papers / Appel de communications

CALL FOR PAPERS and POSTERS

cstha-ahstc xviii conference / colloque

Nov. 1-3, 2013, UQAM, Montreal

ENERGY AND SOCIETY

An Energy Rich Canada in an Energy Hungry World

La version française apparaît ci-dessous

Deadline: 31 August, 2013

Economies rise and fall on energy sources. From the founding of Louisbourg and exploitation of its local coal fields, to the Le Grande Complex, to the oil sands, nuclear energy, to Arctic sovereignty, energy has been a constant focus of activity in Canada. Our northern geography and climate dictate an insatiable need for energy. Energy can pit provincial governments against each other, while federal energy policies can create additional tensions. Contemporary debates around climate change, carbon sequestration and “cap and trade” reflect the consequences of living in an energy-intensive world with an insatiable need for energy. Energy production in Canada has relied on discoveries, innovation and pushing boundaries.

We encourage papers for the forthcoming CSTHA/AHSTC conference which address any topic related to energy from the history of the various sectors to social perceptions of various energy sources, R&D, energy consumption and conservation, to histories of personalities and companies. We also seek papers with an international perspective.

CSTHA welcomes proposals for both individual papers as well as thematic sessions, in English and/or French. Individual proposals must include a title, an abstract of about 150 words, and a short résumé for the presenter(s). Session proposals must include a title, a brief summary of the theme, titles and abstracts for each paper, and a short résumé of each speaker. Posters can also be presented and will be available for the
duration of the conference.

Please see http://cstha-ahstc.ca/conference-colloque-2013/ for information on submitting papers or registration. If you have any questions, please email Dorotea Gucciardo, CSTHA communications coordinator, at conference@cstha-ahstc.ca.

Presenters at this conference must be members of CSTHA. Become a member or renew your membership at http://cstha-ahstc.ca/membership-adhesion/.

Download PDF of Call for Papers / Appel de communications

Appel de communications (articles et affiches)

ahstc-cstha xviii colloque / conference

1 au 3 novembre, 2013, UQAM, Montréal

ÉNERGIE ET SOCIÉTÉ

Un Canada riche d’énergie dans un monde énergivore

Date butoir : 31 aout 2013

Les économies évoluent en fonction de l’énergie. Depuis la fondation de Louisbourg et l’exploitation des gisements locaux de charbon jusqu’au complexe hydro-électrique de La Grande, en passant par l’énergie nucléaire et les sables bitumineux, l’énergie a été au cœur de la vie économique du Canada. La géographie et le climat imposent un besoin insatiable d’énergie. Les questions d’énergie ont dressé les provinces les unes contre les autres : les politiques fédérales ont ajouté aux tensions. Aujourd’hui, les débats entourant les changements climatiques, la séquestration du carbone et les stratégies de « cap and trade » sont le reflet de la vie dans un monde dépendant de l’énergie et où la demande croît sans cesse. L’histoire de l’énergie au Canada est aussi l’histoire des découvertes et des innovations qui ont sans cesse repoussé l’horizon.

Pour la prochaine Conférence AHSTC/CSTHA, nous sollicitons des communications portant sur l’histoire de l’énergie au Canada, les filières énergétiques, les aspects sociaux, la R&D, la consommation et la conservation, les personnes et les organisations. Nous communications comportant une perspective internationale.

L’AHSTC souhaite recevoir des propositions d’articles individuels et de séances thématiques, en anglais ou en français. Les propositions individuelles doivent comporter un titre, un résumé d’environ 150 mots et le curriculum vitae succinct du ou des présentateurs. Les propositions de séances doivent comporter un titre, un bref sommaire du thème, les titres et résumés de chaque article et un curriculum vitae succinct de chaque présentateur. On peut également présenter des affiches qui pourront être vues durant toute la durée du colloque.

Pour plus de détails sur la soumission d’articles ou l’inscription :

http://cstha-ahstc.ca/conference-colloque-2013/.

Les questions peuvent être adressées à Dorotea Gucciardo, coordonnatrice des communications de l’AHSTC (conference@cstha-ahstc.ca).

Les présentateurs doivent être membres de l’AHSTC. Pour adhérer ou renouveler votre adhésion :

http://cstha-ahstc.ca/membership-adhesion/

Download PDF of Call for Papers / Appel de communications

17
Oct
12

Internship/Fellowship: PROGRAMS OF SUPPORT FROM THE IEEE HISTORY CENTER

PROGRAMS OF SUPPORT FROM THE IEEE HISTORY CENTER

2013-2014

The IEEE History Center offers two programs of support annually for scholars pursuing the history of electrical engineering and computing: An internship for an advanced undergraduate, graduate student, or recent Ph.D., and a dissertation fellowship for an advanced graduate student or recent Ph.D. The internship and the dissertation fellowship are funded by the IEEE Life Members Committee. The internship requires residence at the IEEE History Center, on the Rutgers University Campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; there is no residency requirement for the dissertation fellowship.

Note that students at Canadian universities are eligible for both, although the Internship requires residence at the History Center and there have been Canadian interns in the past.

Download further information: IEEE Programs of support 2013-2014

19
Mar
12

Call for papers: Knowledge at Work Symposium, Manchester, UK

Some of you might be interested in the following symposia organized by the International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science. Attached is the English CFP brochure in PDF form; below is a French CFP.

Chers Collègues:

S’il vous plaît trouver ci-joint l’information (sous la forme d’un fichier PDF) pour le site web de la Société Française d?Histoire des Sciences et des Techniques sur le 24e congrès international de l’histoire de la science, la technologie et la médecine qui se tiendra à Manchester (Royaume-Uni), 22-28 Juillet 2013.

La date limite de soumission des propositions de session est le 30 avril 2012. L’appel à communications individuelles aura lieu en mai 2012.

Cordialement, Michael A. Osborne, 2e vice-président, Union Internationale d’Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences-Division d’Histoire des Sciences et des Techniques

Michael A. Osborne, Professor of History of Science
School of History, Philosophy and Religion
Graduate Program in History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
306 Milam Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-6202
Tel:  1-541-737-0776
Fax: 1-541-737-1275

Research Professor of History of Science and Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/historyofscience/
http://oregonstate.edu/cla/history/michael-osborne

19
Mar
12

Events and News from Situating Science

Some of our readers might be interested in some items included in the following message from Situating Science.

Situating Science Events and News

*1. Local Events/News *

*CIHR Proposed Changes to Open Suite of Programs and Enhancements to the
Peer Review Process Open Discussion*,* March 27, 1:30-3:30, O. E. Smith
Auditorium* (IWK hospital). The document for discussion can be read here:
http://www.cihr.ca/e/documents/design_discussion_doc-en.pdf Further
information can be found at http://www.cihr.ca/e/44761.html.

*PART 2 of The Elements: A three-part series examining the ethical uses of
our resources: Food, Oil and Water: Water. Carbon and the Oceans: When Oil
and Water Mix.* Keynote: Alanna Mitchell, Canadian Journalist and author of
Sea Sick. *Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 ? 7PM.* ScotiaBank Theatre Auditorium,
Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary?s University. A discussion of the
effects of fossil fuels on the global ocean. Based on research in her
recent book, Sea Sick, Mitchell will focus on three main marine concerns -
ocean acidification, ocean warming and ocean dead zones – and explain why
some scientists believe these conditions constitute a recipe for mass
extinction. And if that is true, Mitchell will ask us to consider, what
then is humanity?s response. Free Admission ? Reception to Follow. This
event will be live streamed and can be viewed here: www.ccepa.ca

*2. National/International Events *

*CALL FOR PROPOSALS. The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute will be
organizing a national conference entitled Engaging India: Human and social
Dimensions of Science and Technology to take place on Sunday and Monday
June 3 and 4, 2012 at the University of Calgary*. Proposals are to be
submitted by April 15, 2012. Panel and paper proposals are invited in the
following areas: Religious and Cultural Perspectives on Science and
Technology; Humanities and Digital Media; Art , Architecture and
Environment; Energy, Environment, and Sustainability; Food Sustainability:
Agricultural production, Food distribution, and Accessibility; Water:
Resource management for life sustainability; Nano Technology: Critical
Human and Social Issues; Age, Gender and Health; Education Technologies and
Accessibility. For more information and submission form go to link:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=6o7fofcab&v=001GW57Qq-hwGRaLtXryPw_U1yWKmeLBOl8-OyD2-wVy0MzTH8D0rUJEOjbXMfepMJVnRZemJ3G6oTPmXUYoHQLiqpMxZ9s_tN8BEMfzcJXOgELTG7fsRQcc9C7vMD-ZaxEC3TJdHhPD7AaFSKPg5OP-PXszXXDdmoRFor
further information about this conference please contact:

Mariam Elghahuagi

Communications Officer

Shastri Indo- Canadian Institute

Tel. 403 220 2847

Cell 403 478 7950

melghahu@ucalgary.ca

www.sici.org – Canada Office

www.sici.org.in – India Office

Please join us for the *first annual Science and Technology in Society Day
at the University of Waterloo on Friday March 23rd. *The event is free, but
pre-registration, for individual events or the whole day, is requested. To
register, email Vicki Brett at vbrett@uwaterloo.ca. Please indicate whether
you will attend the whole day or part of the day. Location: Great Hall,
Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo Campus. For more
info, see
http://www.situsci.ca/science-and-technology-society-day-u-waterloo-march-23rd-2012

*EASST 2012 Pre-conference Doctoral Workshop linked to the EASST/4S
Conference. Call for Submissions *: What does it mean to do STS at the
margin? 16th October 2012, Copenhagen. This workshop is inspired by the
great experience at the EASST 2010 Trento Pre- conference PhD workshop:
?Weeds, Offcuts, Issues and Troubles? and the series of ‘Flows, Doings,
Edges’ workshops held over the past years. At these events, participants
discussed issues from their research, relating to empirical or theoretical
issues which did not fit, practical and technical obstacles or frozen
themes. Please send us an abstract in which you describe your research and
how you conceptualise yourself and your work to be positioned at a margin.
How does your research take place at a margin; how is your position
marginalised? What does it mean for you to do STS at a margin? The abstract
should be up to 500 words and submitted to students@easst.net by 15th May
2012. Participants have to show evidence of registration at the EASST / 4S
conference. If you apply at the same time for conference support by EASST
(free registration), please note this when submitting an abstract to us.
The number of participants will be limited. EASST is providing financial
support for this workshop.

1.

*Jobs/Studentships/Opportunities*

*International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics (IJFAB) Open
Issue 6.1, deadline extended! *The deadline for submission for this issue
is April 1, 2012. Vol. 6, No. 1 is an open issue. We welcome submissions on
all topics in feminist bioethics. Articles should not exceed 8,000 words
(roughly 32 manuscript pages). Shorter articles are welcome. Additional
instructions for authors are available in the style guidelines.
Conversations provides a forum for public dialogue on particular issues in
bioethics. Scholars engaged in fruitful exchanges are encouraged to share
those discussions here. Submissions for this section should be limited to
3000 words. Commentaries offers an opportunity for short analyses (under
2000 words) of specific policy issues, legislation, court decisions, or
other contemporary developments within bioethics. Book reviews are
typically solicited; however, we strongly encourage authors to submit their
books to the Book Review Editor for consideration for review. We also
invite proposals for review essays that survey several texts in a
particular field. Books and inquiries should be directed to the Book Review
Editor: Chris La Barbara, Department of Humanities, Colby-Sawyer College,
541 Main Street, New London, NH 03257, clabarbera@colby-sawyer.edu.

A reminder that applications are open for *paid research internships in
history of science and technology, based on the object collections at the
National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich.* The deadline is
20 April 2012, and internships (usually 1-2 months) can be taken up between
June 2012 and April 2013. Please see
http://www.rmg.co.uk/researchers/fellowships-and-internships/intern-programme/for
further details. All enquiries should go to
research@rmg.co.uk.

*The Science Communication Graduate Program is still accepting
applications for September 2012. *The Graduate Diploma in Science
Communication is a 10 month program offered by jointly by Science North and
Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. This one of a kind
graduate program provides a valuable professional development opportunity
for science communicators or recent science graduates who wish to broaden
their horizons, strengthen their existing skills and deepen their
understanding of science communication and its impact on the public.
Courses include learning theory, rhetorical studies, research methods in
science communication, exhibit development, and mass media. Details of the
courses, the exciting field trips, the internship opportunities the
faculty, as well as application forms can be found on the program’s website
: http://sciencecommunication.ca. Scholarships and Graduate Research
Assistantships are available for all students. To inquire about admission
and program highlights, please contact one of the program’s Co-Directors,
Chantal Barriault at barriault@sciencenorth.ca or Dr. David Pearson at
dpearson@laurentian.ca. For information on our Science Communication
Diploma Program, visit our website: http://sciencecommunication.ca

19
Mar
12

Deadline: Smithsonian Resident Scholar Programs

The Smithsonian has extended its deadline for its Resident Scholar Programs; some of you might be interested in applying (our very own Bertrum received a Dibner Fellowship a few years back and found the experience quite rewarding). The information is included below.

Smithsonian Resident Scholar Programs

We are at the advertising phase of our Resident Scholar Programs and would like to ask for your help. Please send the announcement below to colleagues! We need more scholars to fill the spots in our programs. Thank you very much.

Smithsonian Libraries Opportunities for Research 2013<http://www.sil.si.edu/Galaxy.cfm?id=3.3>

Situated at the center of the world’s largest museum complex, the Smithsonian Libraries is a vital part of the research, exhibition, and educational enterprise of the Institution. Each Smithsonian scholar engages in an individual voyage of discovery using the artifacts and specimens of the Smithsonian Institution in conjunction with the Libraries’ written and illustrated record of the past. The Libraries is uniquely positioned to help scholars understand the continuing vitality of this relationship, via exceptional research resources ranging from 15th-century manuscripts to electronic journals.

* The Spencer Baird Society Resident Scholar Program<http://www.sil.si.edu/Galaxy.cfm?id=3.32>: Stipends of $3,500 per month for up to six months are available to support scholarly research in the Special Collections of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries in Washington, DC and New York, NY, in an extensive range of subject areas. Historians, librarians, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows are welcome to apply. For more information, click here<http://www.sil.si.edu/Galaxy.cfm?id=3.32>.

*  The Dibner Library Resident Scholar Program:<http://www.sil.si.edu/Galaxy.cfm?id=3.31> Stipends of $3,500 per month for up to six months are available to support scholarly research using the history of science and technology rare books and manuscripts at the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.  Historians, librarians, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows are welcome to apply. For more information, click here<http://www.sil.si.edu/Galaxy.cfm?id=3.31>.

*  The Margaret Henry Dabney Penick Resident Scholar Program: The stipend for this long-term fellowship is $45,000 for nine consecutive months. Senior scholars are particularly encouraged to apply, however, applicants in their post-doctoral phase or, with outstanding achievements in their pre-doctoral phase may be also considered for the fellowship. This fellowship supports scholarly research into the legacy of Patrick Henry and his political circle, the early political history of Virginia, the history of the American Revolution, founding era ideas and policy-making, as well as science, technology, and culture in colonial America and the Early National Period. For more information, click here<http://www.sil.si.edu/Galaxy.cfm?id=3.34>.

Wishing you all the best,

Lilla Vekerdy
Head of Special Collections
Smithsonian Institution Libraries
The Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology
NMAH Room 1041, MRC 672
PO Box 37012
Washington DC 20013-7012
202-633-3870

07
Nov
11

Reminder: Register for the CSTHA-AHSTC 2011 Conference-Colloque

The Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association biennial conference opens on 18 November 2011 at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa.

To celebrate the International Year of Forests, the conference keynote address will be given by Dr. Graeme Wynn, University of British Columbia, a leading expert on forests. The conference will feature over 40 papers by historians, information and museum professionals, scientists, and students, demonstrating the spectrum of interests and subjects represented in the Association. In addition, tours and a banquet round out the programme

Register now to attend this informative conference (http://cstha-ahstc.ca/conference-congres-2011/). We are looking forward to your participation in the conference.

Sincerely,

CSTHA / AHSTC 2011 Conference Planning Committees

——————–

Le colloque biennal de l’Association pour l’histoire de la science et de la technologie au Canada débutera le 18 novembre 2011 au Musée des sciences et de la technologie du Canada à Ottawa.

Pour marquer l’Année internationale des forêts, le discours d’ouverture sera prononcé par M. Graeme Wynn, Ph.D., de l?Université de la Colombie-Britannique, un spécialiste du domaine. Le colloque offrira plus de quarante articles d’historiens, de professionnels des musées et de l’information, de scientifiques et d’étudiants, ce qui témoigne de la gamme d’intérêts et de thèmes représentés à l’Association. Des visites et un banquet complèteront le programme.

Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant à ce colloque enrichissant (http://cstha-ahstc.ca/conference-congres-2011) et au plaisir de vous y retrouver.

Cordialement,

Les comités de la programmation du colloque CSTHA / AHSTC 2011

19
Sep
11

National Science and Technology Week 2011, October 14 to 23

Celebrate Science and Technology in Canada!

Host a Cafe Scientifique! Join the Canada Science and Technology Museum and host your own Café Scientifique event this October in celebration of National Science and Technology Week. It’s easy and we will show you how. See attached PDF “Cafe” for details.

19
Sep
11

Canadian Science Policy Conference

The 2011 Canadian Science Policy Conference will be held at the Ottawa Convention Centre from November 16 to 18, 2011.

Come join over 500 delegates in dialogue about the role of science in: humanitarian efforts, international diplomacy, aboriginal health, and many more issues of enduring and immediate concern to
Canadian scientists, industry, government, and policy-makers, including: Science, Politics and Culture in Canada; Enabling Private Sector Innovation; Exploring the True North: Reflections on Northern Science Policy; Special Focus: International Year of Chemistry; Major Issues In Canadian Science Policy; Special Optional Workshops: “The Nuts and Bolts of Science Policy.” The full list of this year’s panels is available at: http://www.cspc2011.ca/agenda.php. Register now at www.cspc2011.ca

Courtesy

19
Sep
11

Colloquium: Synthetic Biology at the Interface of Science and Policy

Situating Science is pleased to contribute towards Synthetic Biology at the Interface of Science and Policy

Travel grants for student bloggers available. Limited funding. Contact us for more information.

On September 30, 2011, the University of Ottawa’s new Institute for Science, Society and Policy is hosting the colloquium, Synthetic Biology at the Interface of Science and Policy.  This is the first international conference on synthetic biology to take place in the nation’s capital and will bring together experts from academia, government and the NGO sector to discuss the science of synthetic biology and its social and policy implications.  The event will also feature a roundtable discussion on synthetic biology and the policy issues to which it gives rise.  Supporters and critics of this controversial new technology will exchange ideas in an open and unfettered atmosphere.

The keynote speaker is Michele Garfinkel, Adjunct at the J. Craig Venter Institute and Manager of the Science Policy Programme at the European Molecular Biology Organization.

The event will be held at the University of Ottawa in Tabaret Hall room 112.  (A map is available on the conference website.)

For more information and to register for the event please visit the colloquium website at: http://artsites.uottawa.ca/synbio-colloquium/?lang=en.




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