With over fifteen years of history, the Institute for Science and Technology Studies of the Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (IESCT-UNQ) is one of the leading academic institutions in the field of Science and Technology Studies on national and regional levels, representing an international reference in the field.
Since 1996, the IESCT conducts research, teaching, dissemination, extension and technical assistance in four main areas:
- Sociology and Social History of Science
- Social Studies of Technology and Innovation
- Philosophy and History of Science
- Education and Public Communication of Science and Technology
The IESCT aims to:
- Develop research in Science, Technology and Society studies (STS), critically analyzing the role of scientific and technological knowledge in developing societies, particularly in Argentina and South America.
- Produce new knowledge both at the humanities and social sciences discipline level (philosophy, sociology, history, economics, anthropology, political science) and the transdisciplinary level (problem-solver relationships, strategic design, policy analysis and design, applied ethics, risk assessments, etc.), through theoretical and research.
- Build research capacities in Science, Technology and Society studies.
- Create, articulate and strengthen national and regional STS networks.
- Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge related to the topics of reference through publications and meetings.
- Provide knowledge inputs and policy proposals aimed at improving public policies for science, technology, innovation and development, as well as strategies for local R&D institutions.
- Promote activities –through the interaction with other institutions- addressed towards the utilization of locally generated S&T knowledge to solve social and environmental problems on both national and regional levels.
- Propose a critical reflection on relevant issues in the relationship “Science – Technology - Society” and the democratization of decision-making processes related to Science and Technology.
- Promote the public communication of science and technology and the generation of open and inclusive learning processes both in formal and informal education levels.
Authorities
The IESCT is a multidisciplinary space structured into four main research areas. The flexible and open architecture of these areas allows interaction between researchers, the development of joint projects and the formation of human resources.
Director
Hernán Thomas
Board
Area Coordinators
Area of Sociology and Social History of Science
Coordinator: Juan Pablo Zabala
Area of Social Studies of Technology and Innovation
Coordinator: Hernán Thomas
Area of Philosophy and History of Science
Coordinator: Pablo Lorenzano
Area of Education and Public Communication of Science and Technology
Coordinators: Silvia Porro and Leonardo Moledo
