The idea for an Asia‐Pacific STS Network was conceived of at the 2008 Society for Social Studies of Science conference (Rotterdam) by Richard Hindmarsh (Griffith University, Australia) and Karen Cronin (Environmental Science and Research, New Zealand) and supported by Rosemary du Plessis (University of Canterbury, New Zealand). Wide interest was shown by STS delegates from the Asia-Pacific as well as Europe and the USA. The Network was formally established soon thereafter at the Towards STS Networking in the Asia‐Pacific Region Workshop for STS researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the wider Asia Pacific Region (Victoria University of Wellington, 1‐2 December 2008).
The 45 participants who attended the Wellington workshop came from Japan, Singapore, China, Australia and New Zealand. The keynote speaker was Professor Frank Fischer (USA). The participants were highly enthusiastic about forming a Network for ongoing collaboration.
We refer to the ‘Asia-Pacific’ as encompassing littoral East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australasia near the Pacific Ocean plus the states in the ocean itself (Oceania).
The Network operates primarily though an annual meeting, along with an email contact list and website. There is no formal membership, committee structure, or fees. The annual meeting is self‐funding through registrations, grants and sponsorship. The Network is open to those with an interest in STS research, theory and practice in the Asia Pacific region, and is complementary to existing formal associations and conferences/meetings. Many network participants already belong to established national or international STS/HPS associations.
Conference host
- 2009 Network Convenor
- Dr Karen Cronin (Science Leader, STS research, Environmental Science and Research ESR, Ltd New Zealand) with logistical support provided by ESR.
- 2009 Network Co-Convenor and Event Organiser
- Associate Professor Richard Hindmarsh (Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia)
The convenor role is rotated, following each annual meeting.
Additional information
- More information on the STS Network it's purpose and aims.
- To register your interest in becoming a member of the Asia Pacific STS Network, email christine.jenca@esr.cri.nz