Centre for Science Studies

Founded in 1986, the Centre for Science Studies (CSS) is internationally recognized for its research in the social studies of science and technology. It promotes and facilitates interdisciplinary research across the boundaries of science, technology, and public policy. The Centre brings together research and teaching in all four faculties at Lancaster University within four priority areas:

• Health, technology and medicine
• Data cultures
• Energy and environments
• Disasters and futures

For more details please visit our research page.

Our work has been supported by grants from the ESRC, Intel, EPSRC, NWCR and the EU (Horizon 2020). The Centre also receives support from the Department of Sociology at Lancaster University.

Our collaborators include: LU Institute for Social Futures, LU Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies, LU Centre for the Study of Environmental Change, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust, Lancashire County Council, Linkoping University, ITU Copenhagen, UNSW, Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM), University of Manchester.

The Centre regularly hosts research events including conferences, seminar series and events funded by its annual funding call. It has a thriving postgraduate community and hosts visiting researchers. It is a member of the UK Association for Studies in Science, Innovation and Technology.

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Governance

CSS Board

The Centre is led by the CSS board, the CSS Director, and the CSS Deputy Director. The CSS Director and Deputy Director are appointed by the Board. Board members are expected to attend board meetings unless they have other commitments, in which case they are expected to send their apologies in advance where possible.

Board meetings are minuted, with minutes circulated to board members after meetings. The board also produces a termly newsletter which includes an update on CSS activities and a summary of key discussions at the board meeting. This is is sent to the CSS mailing list.

CSS Members

The Centre is supported by members, based at Lancaster. Members are encouraged to attend CSS events and to support the Centre in their activities (e.g. by including the Centre in funding applications, inviting colleagues to join CSS events, publicise CSS research). Members are also invited to attend board meetings, although attendance is optional, and no apologies need to be sent if a CSS member is unable to attend.

CSS Affiliates

CSS Affiliates include former visitors to the Centre and colleagues who were based at Lancaster but who have now either left the university or retired. CSS Affiliates are kept updated about CSS activities, but play no direct role in its goverance.

Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Centre for Science Studies has a zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. The centre adheres to Lancaster University’s policy available here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/bullying-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct-policy/

This policy applies to all staff affiliated with the university in any capacity and all staff must abide by these policies when carrying out any roles or duties or when visiting any other institutions.