From radical scientist to STS intervener

• In Event: Lives in STS “as a Series of Failed Political Experiments”

Abstract

In the early 1970s in Sydney, I was part of a radical science discussion group. Later, in Canberra and Wollongong, I undertook various activities related to STS, including challenging establishment experts in the debate over nuclear power, writing critiques of science, documenting suppression of dissent in science, being involved in women-in-science groups, intervening in the debate over the origin of AIDS, spelling out strategies for dissenting scientists, critiquing STS, studying how technology can support nonviolent struggle, and supporting free speech for vaccine critics. These various activities can be related to my roles, initially as a scientist and later as an STS academic, and to circumstances and opportunities. For each type of activity, there are advantages and disadvantages. I plan to highlight the lessons I learned from different sorts of engagement.

Author

• Brian Martin, University Of Wollongong