Life Sciences, Medicine, Technology and Health

Research by members of this group has contributed to the opening up of these sub-fields, enabling theoretical and methodological dialogue with the rest of the discipline, while advancing debates on the specificity of medical and scientific knowledge. Empirical studies by members of the group have focused on the ways in which medical and technological knowledge and practices enter into everyday and public life. The work of this group is informed by a shared critical engagement with the traditions of materialism, metaphysics and vitalism – including major publications, organization of colloquia, translations and introductions of key writers – leading to a revival in their application in the sociological study of technology and the life sciences.  The research of this grouping has been conducted in collaboration with industry, public and government bodies and has had a significant impact outside the academy.