Didier E., Guaspare-Cartron C., The new watchdogs’ vision of science: A roundtable with IvanOransky (Retraction Watch) and Brandon Stell (PubPeer), Social Studies of Science 2018, Vol. 48(1) 165– 167
Abstract: On March 3rd, 2016, the authors of this note hosted a conference entitled ‘Destabilized Science’ at the University of California, Los Angeles, to which we invited two representatives of core actors within the new science watchdog pack: Ivan Oransky, co-founder in 2010 of Retraction Watch, and Brandon Stell, co-founder in 2012 of PubPeer. After the formal conference, we organized a roundtable to discuss these invitees’ experience and their vision of contemporary science. Mario Biagioli (University of California, Davis), Michael Chwe (UCLA) and Aaron Panofsky (UCLA) participated to the conversation. An edited transcript of the discussion and a short podcast version are being published on Transmissions (ssstransmissions.org) the new blog associated with Social Studies of Science.
Dubois M., Guaspare-Cartron C., Louvel, S., De la génétique à l’épigénétique : une révolution « post-génomique » à l’usage des sociologues, Revue française de sociologie, 59-1, 2018, 67-94 - From genetics to epigenetics: a “post-genomic” revolution for the use of sociologists
Abstract:This critical note examines the impact of the so-called “post-genomic” revolution for the social sciences on the basis of five studies published between 2016 and 2017. It is not only a question of introducing the French reader to current events in the English-speaking world concerning the current redefinition of the boundaries between sociology and biology, but also and above all of contributing to reflection on the evolution of interdisciplinary research practices. Particular attention is given to the emerging field of epigenetics and the way it is represented by these studies as the place par excellence of the post-genomic revolution. The article underlines the importance for sociologists of becoming aware of the opportunities associated with this revolution, as well as being able to free themselves from a certain number of conventional wisdoms. It also stresses the need to maintain a sufficiently critical distance from a “promising” research area.
Bailey M., Vasey P., Diamond L., Breedlove M., Vilain E., Epprech M., Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science, Psychological Science in the Public Interest 2016, Vol. 17(2) 45–101
Abstract: Ongoing political controversies around the world exemplify a long-standing and widespread preoccupation with the acceptability of homosexuality. Nonheterosexual people have seen dramatic surges both in their rights and in positive public opinion in many Western countries. In contrast, in much of Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Oceania, and parts of Asia, homosexual behavior remains illegal and severely punishable, with some countries retaining the death penalty for it. Political controversies about sexual orientation have often overlapped with scientific controversies. That is, participants on both sides of the sociopolitical debates have tended to believe that scientific findings—and scientific truths—about sexual orientation matter a great deal in making political decisions. The most contentious scientific issues have concerned the causes of sexual orientation—that is, why are some people heterosexual, others bisexual, and others homosexual? The actual relevance of these issues to social, political, and ethical decisions is often poorly justified, however.
Ongoing Research Projects
ORP1— The public dissemination of Epigenetics: a joint effort from EpiDaPo (CNRS - GWU), Epicenter (ISG-UCLA) and PACTE (Grenoble, France).
ORP2— Undiagnosed Diseases Network: From Team Translational Science to Social Production of Diagnosis:
ORP3— Epigenetics as an interdiscipline: between the social sciences and the life sciences :Social Science Information Special Issue : Invited editors Michel Dubois (EpiDaPo, CNRS) Séverine Louvel (IEP, Grenoble) Emmanuelle Rial-Sebbag (INSERM, Toulouse), more details: