Alchemy 2021 - Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) - UCL
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Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) Alchemy 2021 Alchemy 1 Autumn 2021
Welcome
We are delighted to welcome you to this new edition of
Alchemy. It has been a strange, occasionally traumatic, Undergraduates
year. We're writing this at the end of Summer 2021. 3 STS Graduate Profiles
STS's home in 22 Gordon Square is eerily quiet. We 6 Student Rep Makes
are so looking forward to the beginning of the new Big Contributions
academic year. If all goes well, we will be back on site,
MSc Students
and the place will be buzzing again.
7 Accelerating Advice
STS is the best subject in the world. In these pages for Policy Makers
of Alchemy, you'll see the sheer range of topics that 9 DeepMind STS Scholarships
get us excited. For example, you can read about
PhD Students
some of the research conducted in the department
10 And the Award Goes To...
around Covid-19. You also can read something about
11 Art Meets Propaganda
everything from governing the oceans to tomorrow's
12 Fancy 'A Cup of PhD'?
self-driving cars. Always with a critical eye and always
alive to possibilities for making the world better. Staff
13 From Ebola to Covid-19
Soon (hopefully) we will be able to share our conversations, our
14 Research UCL's
research, and our teaching together again. See you around! History of Eugenics
Professor Emma Tobin and Professor Jon Agar 16 UK Pandemic Ethics
STS Heads of Department Accelerator
18 From Qantas to STS
19 Diversifying Voices in HoS
20 You Have Been Warned!
Department News
22 STS PhDs Awarded
23 JBS Haldane Lecture 2021
24 STS1Book 2020: Human
25 WeAreSTS Podcast
26 Teaching with Museums
During Pandemic
27 Connecting with
The Science Museum
27 Breaking News!
Students in the STS Newsroom 2021 (clockwise from top left):
Chelsea Tripp, Jasmine Chakravarty, Lujia Zhang, Alex Hancock,
Odile Lehnen, and Franziska Link.
Alchemy 5 (2021) From the Editors
Editors: This issue of Alchemy is special. Its written, and re-written. Their
Victoria Mounsey content has been written mostly goal has been to bring you a
Dr Jean-Baptiste Gouyon by STS students as part of a new taste for the breadth and depth
Professor Joe Cain studentship programme, the STS of activity in our community.
Newsroom. For two months, Alex, These budding journalists have
Alchemy is published annually Chelsea, Franziska, Jasmine, Lujia, been a joy to work with, and
and is freely available: and Odile have worked on the sto- we hope you enjoy the result.
ucl.ac.uk/sts/alchemy ries you'll read. They've developed Thanks also to Gemma Milne for
the ideas, interviewed key people, her mentoring.
Alchemy 2 Autumn 2021
Undergraduates
STS Graduate Profiles
STS and Data Science:
A Mighty Match for Re-
thinking Health Policy
Louis is interested in data, especially
data about health. During his
degree, Louis learned how health
data has become incredibly
valuable and how important it has
become to ensure data is managed
in responsible ways. Several STS
modules helped him develop
his thinking. For example, when
learning about issues related to Caroline Drai
ownership of bio-information, he
grappled with data handling and
privacy in the private sector, such
linked through a carefully designed A Happy Coincidence to
democratic ethical system.
as for the DNA ancestry-testing be Continued
company, 23andMe. After his internship and additional
degree, Louis plans to find a Caroline came across STS's website
In his second year, Louis decided Master's degree that combines on a random online stroll. She liked
he needed some more numbers the skills he gained from both what she saw. She applied. She got
and code in his life. He started an undergraduate courses, possibly a in. And here we are three years later.
online degree in mathematics and Master's in Data Science for Public
computer science, an extra skill set Sometimes following intuition and
Policy, like the one offered by Hertie
that provides him with technical doing what feels right can be just
School in Berlin. Although he keeps
knowledge. Combined with his as good as a thoroughly thought
telling me he doesn't, it seems Louis
STS perspective, this puts him in a through career plan. Looking back,
very much has things figured out!
strong position to approach urgent Caroline smiles and says, "There's
questions about data in society and no logic behind it, but I really liked
to know the difference between it". And after three years of hard
sensible analysis and nonsense. work, a dissertation in the history
Louis wants to contribute towards of science and empire has been a
a more responsible and productive highlight of her degree. She said
handling of health data. it's been hard work but massively
rewarding.
After STS, Louis's next stop will be
working as an intern for the Health This summer Caroline plans to
Data Hub in Paris, a new govern- round off her STS experience
mental agency created to help with one of the STS summer
organise the ecosystem of health studentships, researching when
data across France. The project and why economics became news.
aims to centralise medical data, The hope is to produce material
making it attractive and accessible for a conference presentation and
for researchers and enterprises. The a publication in 2022. After this,
hope is to foster medical innovation. Caroline is planning to explore the
However, with his STS background, real-world job market and gain
Louis has seen this ideal before. more experience in science policy
He'll help the project develop and science communication. Paris is
Louis Viard likely to be her next destination.
ways to protect privacy and data
Alchemy 3 Autumn 2021
Undergraduates
Whilst keeping an open mind to Alex Against
opportunities that will present
themselves along the way, Caroline Environmental Injustices
can see herself returning to STS for
Alex is not only interested in
a Master's degree not too far in the
writing about socio-environmental
future. She says: "I don't really see
injustices and environmental
how I could do better than here!" I
racism in the future, but he has
think I can speak on behalf of the
already embarked on this journey.
department and say that we will be
After writing an article about a
more than happy to have you back.
case of exploitation of indigenous
Jaqueline Hsing
knowledge for his STS degree, these
inequalities stayed with him. In
Law and Emerging different communities in different French Guiana, members of the
ways. They often have inequalities
Technologies built-in or are introduced into
Kali'na and Palikur indigenous
groups had found a plant with
Jaqueline has big ambitions. "Dream societies in unequal ways. "I think antimalarial properties that was
job-wise," she says, "I would love I could use the perspective I have then patented by a group of French
to work for a public interest group learnt in STS throughout these researchers. In the end, the team
like the ACLU in the US or one three years to approach law from benefited financially, whereas the
of those pro bono law firms". At that angle and maybe find a way indigenous population was left
first sight, law might seem like a to improve society or improve the without any form of compensation.
field entirely separate from history way laws are created." Jaqueline is
passionate about this combination "I remember learning about
and philosophy of science, or even
of disciplines because working in that and thinking wow – that is
sociology and politics of science.
technology and law means "working obviously very upsetting but really
However, as Jaqueline explained,
on the concrete changes that interesting". Alex is concerned
there are strong connections
technology makes in the way we live about similar problems at home
between law and STS, and there is
our lives." Jaqueline is particularly in Canada, where indigenous
an urgent need for people who are
interested in privacy and big data, populations are facing a government
well-versed in both.
a relationship she explored in her that strategically positions landfills
Jaqueline wants to work at the final-year dissertation on how facial and garbage dumps near indigenous
intersection of technology, law and recognition technologies impact communities. This exposes people
something in the public good. Her every-day life. Growing up next to to possibly cancerous toxins and
next step is applying to law school Silicon Valley, Jaqueline has had a pollution. Alex is hoping to use
in the US. Jaqueline's interest in law close-up interest in the tech giants his passion for writing to address
developed through insights from for a long time. This continues after such inequalities and inspire action.
modules like Professor Jack Stilgoe's graduation and well into the future. During his time at UCL, Alex
module, "Governing Emerging has written for various university
Technologies". She realised how publications, and of course he's
the speed of innovation often written for the very issue of Alchemy
outpaces our understanding of you are holding in your hands right
emerging technologies and the now. For next year, Alex has applied
laws that govern them. Jaqueline to two Master's programmes at
explains, "I think there needs to UCL: "Environment and Sustainable
be a greater understanding of how Development" and "Environment,
these technologies impact our lives, Politics and Society". Alex reminds
especially because we all know me that it's wrong to think that
technology isn't some kind of great once your undergraduate studies
equaliser". Rather, as STS research are done, you'll know exactly what
shows, new technologies affect Alex Hancock you want to do. As he finishes his
Alchemy 4 Autumn 2021
Undergraduates
undergraduate days at UCL, Alex "STS helps you realise more what Robbie Brown
says he can see himself writing for the world around you is, instead of
NGOs and charities, or perhaps the just believing everything you see
UN Development Programme, in and read." She is passionate about
the future. Fingers crossed. the docudrama genre in particular,
as it sits at the interface of fiction
and non-fiction. In this way, it lends
itself to exploring more than just
the technical aspects of science.
In the module, "Science and Film
Production," Elisa explored the
docu-drama genre in a film about
the question: "Is there life in space?"
She remembers this lent itself nicely
to the genre – a scientific question Glasgow later this year. After
with a metaphysical dimension getting a foot in the door, Robbie
that can currently not be answered will be hoping to work his way up
Elisa Mas conclusively. This leaves a lot of through jobs in science policy. He
room for fantasy and imagination. is particularly interested in getting
Her next step is a Master's degree into the sustainability, environment,
A Future in Film: at Imperial College in "Science and or education side of government.
Challenging the World Media Production". This will allow Knowing that he enjoys working
her to focus more on the practical with kids from his three-year
Elisa's journey shows how an STS side of film making, then hopefully experience as a sports coach at a
degree can lead almost anywhere entering the industry through a primary school, Robbie says this
and to places you might never have six-month work placement in a film is definitely another option for his
expected. When she first joined the production company. future. He has been looking at the
department, she thought she was charity, "Teach First," whose mission
signing up for a degree where she is to encourage top graduates to get
would primarily be doing maths and Hands-On Impact into teaching and to help overcome
science. Three years of exploring inequality in education. The
the opportunities offered with STS, Ahead charity offers training to university
UCL, and London's vibrant art graduates from all types of degrees.
Before starting his degree in History
scene have taken her into a different, Whether in government or in the
and Philosophy of Science, Robbie
but surprisingly related, direction: classroom, Robbie is determined
spent a year working as a sales agent
film. to start making a difference sooner
selling houses. Whilst he makes it
"My ultimate goal is to make clear that experience was not the rather than later.
docudramas." After responding to time of his life, it led him to an Odile Lehnen
the question of "What do you study important realisation: he wants to
with a degree from STS?", the most spend his life doing meaningful
frequent follow-up is something work, making real changes happen. "The best thing about STS
like, "Ah...sounds interesting – and That's the plan now he has finished is the sense of community.
what can you do with that?" "Film his degree and is moving (back) into Being a student here, I feel
maker" is an answer most people the world of work. like I am not isolated, but
don't expect. connected to and get sup-
This summer, Robbie is applying port from the wider com-
During her degree, Elisa discovered for jobs in the civil service. One munity."
how this medium can be used in example is a business support Matyas Demeczky
original ways to encourage critical role in the COP26 climate change Undergraduate Student
reflection on the world. She said, conference, due to be held in
Alchemy 5 Autumn 2021
Undergraduates
Student Rep Makes Big Contributions
'Student Reps' are the people with and Politics of Science BSc. Two
the formal role of representing years ago, he was elected course
students in university committees representative. Last year, he was
and other activities. They gather elected Lead Representative.
views and comment, then deliver Becoming 'Lead Rep' seemed a
them to the people who need to natural progression for Zydon. He
act. One part of the role is to speak said he loved his time in the first
truth to power: pointing out lapses year, and said he felt ready to take
and shortcomings when they an active part in new developments,
arise. Another part of the role is especially in the Covid-19 year.
to contribute fresh and original
perspectives. It's all about pursuing The transition to Lead Rep was
positive change and impact. In a step-change in responsibility.
STS, Zydon Patel has been "Lead Zydon worked with STS staff to
ensure consultation committees ran Zydon Patel
Department Representative" for the
past academic year. smoothly and, crucially, to ensure
however. In November 2020, he
staff followed-up on their promises.
In 2021-22, Zydon will be a helped launch the "STS Hoodie
Zydon also played an important role
third-year student in Sociology Competition". Students were asked
feeding information back into STS
to submit designs for the new
about which
hoodies, then everyone in STS was
adaptations
invited to vote for their favourite.
were
The winning design came from 2nd-
working for
year STS student, Isabel Lim.
students
and which Zydon also helped convert STS's
needed more informal student society, running
attention. since the 1990s, into an official
At the same group recognized and supported
time, STS by UCL Student Union. Now, it's
was the official. STS Lunar Society is a go.
focus of an
institutional Zydon's main achievement in the
review of 2020-21 session was to enrol STS
its teaching in UNITU, an online platform for
and student student feedback that aims to help
experience. universities collect information in
Student real-time rather than long after a
reps had an module has finished. "As a result,
important some positive changes happened in
role in this the department."
routine
For Zydon, taking on the role of
check on
Lead Rep has been a key learning
quality.
experience. "As a student rep in
In the past university, you can make real, long-
year, Zydon lasting changes in the department
has kept and really help make things better
quite busy. for everyone. It is such a rewarding
It's not all experience."
Isabel Lim wearing her winning design
for the STS Lunar Society hoodie. classwork,
Lujia Zhang
Alchemy 6 Autumn 2021
Master's Students
Accelerating Advice for Policy Makers
"I was delighted when I read about The Pandemics Ethics Accelerator Ruchi Sharma
the opportunity to work with the studentship lasts only 4 weeks, yet
Pandemics Ethics Accelerator Ruchi was confident this experience
project," Ruchi Sharma explained. will give her a chance to make an
impact as well as boost her skills in
This year STS offered an real-world working environments.
unprecedented nine summer "I think this [studentship] will
studentships open to undergraduate broaden my thinking in a more
and postgraduate students as part pragmatic way. On my STS journey,
of its commitment to real-life work I did plenty of researching and
experience, paid above the London writing. What's different here is it's
Living Wage. Ruchi Sharma, a for a real ongoing problem."
student on the Science, Technology
and Society MSc programme, was What are Ruchi's tips for
successful with her application to applications? People applying for
work with the project led by STS these studentships should be clear
staff Dr Cian O'Donovan and Dr and specific, not generic, in their said. "All of it should be factual and
Melanie Smallman in collaboration personal statement. "You should backed up by evidence. It shouldn't
with Professor James Wilson in include why are you applying, what just be adjectives that anybody can
UCL's Department of Philosophy. skills you possess that are relevant use. Literally map yourself to the
to the role, and lastly, how will you role you want."
Despite uncertainty around the perform once you get the role," she
specific path her career will take, Chelsea Tripp
it was Ruchi's interest in the link
between government policy and
solving inequalities widened by the
Covid-19 pandemic that led her to
the studentship opportunity. "Ethics Focus on Careers with STS Studentships
is an integral part of decision
making that determines the fairness During Summer 2021, STS Professor Simon Werrett de
of the outcomes [and] working dramatically expanded its scribed his experience with the
on this project would allow me number of studentships. We programme. "A student worked
to delve into diverse perspectives, offered nine! These ranged from with me and colleagues at the
descriptive and normative ethical researching ethical decision Natural History Museum. They
questions that feed into policy making around Covid-19 for a did terrific work exploring the
project on rapid policy develop- identities of otherwise unknown
making," she explains. "I had read
ment to researching perceived natural historical collectors
a few papers by Cian and Melanie, coercion and wellbeing during around Britain in the eighteenth
and I felt it would be great to learn the pandemic; from researching century. The student was able to
from working closely with them". economics coverage in newspa- get behind the scenes in a major
pers to the sociology of debating museum and produced research
In Ruchi's words, the purpose of the on social media. that will be of real value for
UK Pandemics Ethics Accelerator both the history of science and
internship "is to enbed ethical These paid positions – paid biological research in the future.
thinking in policy-making. The UK above the London Living Wage Their work helped illuminate the
Government needs to take policy – has an application process fundamental records of precious
decisions on various issues that that mimics real-world hiring. 'type' specimens, created in the
are interrupted by the pandemic." They build on staff research and eighteenth century and still used
Her role in the project will involve public engagement, so they vary by scientists from across the
each year, and they cover a world."
"rapidly researching some of the
huge range of topics.
ethical concerns, compiling usable
write-ups for real policymakers."
Alchemy 7 Autumn 2021
Master's Students
DeepMind STS Scholarships
"DeepMind Science, Technology, gave me the opportunity to explore
and Society Scholarship". With that more, which was really nice."
passions for a variety of academic Chelsea recounted how the degree
fields, it ultimately was Chelsea's has allowed her to develop her
interest in the sociological, interests in different areas within
philosophical, and ethical facets science, namely the marginalization
of science that led her to the STS of ethnic minorities in research
Master's programme. "I think the as well as the different ways that
thing that attracted me the most science is communicated to a
about STS was the interdisciplinarity variety of audiences. "I have a lot of
of the subject...the STS Master's respect for people who are in public
degree allowed me to do a bit of engagement," she said.
everything."
After working on a project that
A graduate of animal sciences, aimed to promote inclusivity in
Chelsea first found out about the research, Chelsea discovered the
Chelsea Tripp DeepMind STS Scholarship when challenges of embracing ethnic
she received a message detailing the minorities in science who "don't
opportunity in her email: "UCL was necessarily feel safe about being
"When I finished my undergraduate good in comparison to the other involved in research." Expanding
degree, I was interested in so unis I had applied for. They actually on this point, she added, "There is
many different avenues," explained had quite a few bursaries and just so much you need to consider
Chelsea Tripp. "History, science, scholarships available." to help people feel comfortable."
philosophy, ethics. Choosing Uncovering why certain groups
between all of these proved to be Our MSc degree has opened are disproportionately under-
quite difficult." Two years later, Chelsea's eyes to the complex represented in science, as well as the
Chelsea is nearing the end of her relationship between science, causes of implicit biases inherent to
year-long Master's degree, Science, philosophy and history, something STEM, has been a key ambition of
Technology and Society MSc, which she hadn't been able to delve deeply her studies.
she undertook after becoming into at the undergraduate level. "I'm
the first ever recipient of the really interested in the social side of Reflecting on her studies, Chelsea
science, and I felt like this Master's was quick to note some highlights.
What is the DeepMind STS Scholarship?
Launched in 2020, the Deep- UCL ensure that it can attract and technologies makes it one of the
Mind STS Scholarship pro- support students from all sections leading companies in AI. "It's
gramme is a cooperative venture of the community, particularly those a great initiative for students,"
between UCL and the Windsor groups that are under-represented explained Giuseppe La Rosa,
Fellowship. Its ambition is to in post-graduate studies." STS Department Manager.
improve representation from all "The scholarship gives them the
sections of our community both The DeepMind STS Scholarship opportunity to build a relation-
in the work of science itself and covers the costs of the recipient's ship with DeepMind. It really
in the broader reflection, man- tuition fees plus equipment and expands their networking op-
agement, and direction-setting travel. It also offers a stipend. The portunities."
of science in our society. As the programme does more, too. It pro-
Windsor Fellowship website ex- vides students with the opportunity Information about eligibility
plained, these scholarships "are to foster a rapport with DeepMind, and how to apply is online via
positive action initiatives to help whose research into autonomous the STS website and from the
Windsor Fellowship.
Alchemy 8 Autumn 2021
Master's Students
"I loved the public engagement
module, and I've been looking into
that avenue for my future." With
its holistic approach to studying
science and the interplay between
other disciplines, Chelsea feels, her
degree has given her a whole new
appreciation for STS's many parts.
"This course has also given me a
broader perspective of what science
is, the history of it, why we view
science a certain way, and how this
impacts on different public groups."
In spite of the challenges presented
by the pandemic and its effects on
learning, Chelsea's experience with
the scholarship has ultimately been Image: DepositPhotos
a positive one: "I think if I hadn't
come to UCL and hadn't done this
specific degree, I definitely wouldn't STS launches Science Communication MSc
be in such a good position now. I'm
so grateful for that." Applications are open for STS's The final project brings theory and
new Science Communication practice together in portfolio-build-
Despite Chelsea's excitement for her MSc, starting in October 2022. ing content.
Master's degree, the year has come
with many challenges, not least the The programme combines the- Students will benefit from STS’s
pandemic's constraints on studying ory and practice across a wide strong culture of pastoral care and
within the university environment. range of subjects. Students will personal mentoring. The quali-
"This year has probably been take modules in state-of-the-art fication is available as a degree
one of the hardest for students," communication practices, in- (MSc), postgraduate diploma (PG-
she explained. From cancelled cluding writing, sound and video Dip), and postgraduate certificate
trips around London, to closed production, and digital media. (PGCert). Full-time and part-time
Modules will be delivered by study options are available, too.
libraries and study centres and the
professionals from both industry
obstacles brought on by online and university. Requirements for entry are a
classes, the past year has taught her minimum of an upper second-
the importance of maintaining a One key goal is to provide ac- class (2.1) Bachelor's degree from
work-life balance, particularly in cess to real worlds of work and a UK university or an overseas
a year "which has been isolating career opportunities. equivalent. There is no specific
at times, especially without being disciplinary entry requirement. Ap-
able to see friends and family as The practical curriculum will plicants with degrees from natural
often." But Chelsea knows how combine with a theoretical one, sciences, human sciences, social
introducing students to science sciences, or arts and humanities
to adapt. "Making time to watch
communication from a global are welcome to apply.
your favourite show, or bake, or perspective, science commu-
FaceTime friends and family has nication and social justice, and For more information:
definitely helped keep me sane over conceptual aspects of engaging ucl.ac.uk/sts/msc
the past year!" the public with science.
Alexander Hancock
Alchemy 9 Autumn 2021
PhD Students
And the Award Goes To...
in these two areas point for knowledge. Claudia says,
strongly connected. "I think this is an important idea
In places, they closely today."
mirrored one another.
For example, Claudia Claudia's work on Peirce speaks to
explains, throughout fundamental questions in science.
history there have Claudia explains, "Because of the
been different ways continuous possibility of revision,
of imagining how 'what counts as a scientific fact'
perception works. is basically what we have reached
One option is to view a consensus on right now." The
it as something that history of science teaches us that
happens immediately. science is continuously evolving,
An alternative is the Claudia continues, and Peirce
view that perception saw this flexibility - this room for
requires processing, development and adaptation - is an
in which some kind of integral part of science.
unconscious inferences Claudia is currently extending
Claudia Cristalli at the Peirce Geodetic
Monument at Indiana University are made that result the research in her thesis by
in us seeing the world exploring how today's cognitive
the way we do. An sciences relate to the history and
example of an inference philosophy of science developed by
Winner of the 2020 MAPS Faculty for processing is the idea of spatial Peirce. She has ambitions to find
Postgraduate Research Prize, STS depth: we decide how far away in these old ideas new perspectives
PhD student Claudia Cristalli shows things are from us based on certain on established scientific
how history and philosophy of types of information. Perhaps we methodologies widely used today.
science can help today's scientists do this directly. Perhaps we do this
make their science better. after inference and processing. MAPS Faculty Postgraduate
Research Prize is awarded annually
"It was so unexpected. I couldn't Since starting her doctoral studies for an outstanding achievement in
believe it!" When Claudia Cristalli in 2015, Claudia says, she's often subjects covered by UCL Faculty of
received the 2020 MAPS Faculty seen puzzled faces when answering Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Postgraduate Research Prize for the inevitable questions about Competition is intense. Claudia
her PhD thesis, it took another value, "Why are you doing this? is the first STS recipient of this
message from her supervisor, Dr Why are you studying 19th century prize. Speaking about the award,
Chiara Ambrosio, to convince her philosophy?" But she has a quick Claudia's primary supervisor,
that this wasn't just another email answer: Peirce's seemingly obscure Dr Chiara Ambrosio, said, "I'm
scam. Claudia's first reaction is philosophy becomes directly incredibly proud of Claudia. She
a hint towards the subjectivity relevant to ideas today once you has done brilliant work, and her
of human perception. Claudia relate them with his research on research is bringing powerful
explores this theme in her doctoral how perception works in human new ideas to the community. It's
dissertation by studying the work minds. The connection is intimate a fantastic example of integrated
of philosopher, mathematician and and important. Can we make history and philosophy of science."
scientist Charles Sanders Peirce, observations without already having
who lived in the late 19th and early a theory in which to interpret them? Odile Lehnen
20th centuries.
Crucially, in the unconscious
Claudia's dissertation focuses on process that puts images from our
Peirce's philosophy in the context eyes together in our mind, Peirce
of his work in experimental argued there was no neutral starting
psychology. She found his work
Alchemy 10 Autumn 2021PhD Students
Art Meets Propaganda
Industrial archaeology tries to
recover working practices and
technologies associated with
manufacture. It also tries to the
reconstruct the world of labour and
the lives of the people at work.
STS postgraduate student, John van
Laun uses art to recover working
practices when building railways
during the 19th century.
John’s research centres on John
Cooke Bourne (1814-1896), painter,
engraver, photographer, and more.
Bourne’s Drawings on the London
and Birmingham Railway (1839) Bourne's "Excavations and Buildings, Park Village," Camden, 1838
records construction of that railway,
especially through north London. natural additions to the countryside. degree programmes in STS begin
His image of the London terminus In fact, they were anything but the MPhil track; most "upgrade" to
made the 'Euston Arch' famous. soft additions. John’s research PhD. For more information about
shows Bourne’s art put to work the STS’s MPhil offer, contact the
Comparing representations as propaganda aimed at resistant STS postgraduate programme tutor,
produced by different artists, John English landowners: “Look how Professor Brian Balmer.
separates what might be called the easy the railways will be. Look
aesthetic and the technical. In some how smoothly they’ll fit into the Joe Cain
cases, he's spotted innovation and landscape.”
new techniques.
John is an STS MPhil student. The
John also is alert to the use of Master of Philosophy qualification
visual arts for culture and political is a postgraduate research degree
purposes. His research considers in which students produce a
the rise of the “picturesque” in original piece of writing not more
landscape art. Bourne domesticated than 50,000 words. All students
railways through art. He made entering postgraduate research
them seem tranquil, soft, even
Quick Start on Publishing
Nathan Bossoh, an STS PhD student focusing on history and phi-
losophy of 19th century British science, is keen to showcase his
research. In 2021 he celebrates publication of two major research
papers developed during his programme:
Bossoh, N. 2021. "A Victorian hope for aerial navigation: Argyll as a
theorist of flight and the first president of the Aëronautical Society of
Great Britain." Endeavour
Bossoh, N. 2021. "Scientific Uniformity or 'Natural' Divine Action:
Shifting the Boundaries of Law in the Nineteenth Century," Zygon
. Images from Bourne's (1839) Drawings
on the London and Birmingham Railway
Alchemy 11 Autumn 2021PhD Students
Fancy 'A Cup of PhD'?
about their life, Student feedback has been strongly
the university, and positive, saying 'Cup of PhD' has
everything. But it has played a key role in creating a
been eerily quiet. sense of social normality. First-
year STS PhD student Jas Jagdev
Fortunately, STS is enthusiastic. "I've loved 'Cup of
has Professor Brian PhD'! It's been a great way of getting
Balmer. He's always to grips with the PhD for me. It
been a source of really helped me to not feel isolated
creative problem in a time in which I felt really
solving. overwhelmed with all of the changes
As STS PhD going on. It was fabulous to speak
programme tutor, to others and realise that they were
Brian was quick to feeling the same way, and to share
respond to concerns tips or generally get to know people
about isolation for that I otherwise may not have had a
STS PhD students. He chance to talk to."
was especially keen, The benefits of 'Cup of PhD' go
he said, "to replace the beyond the social element. "It was
random meets that really helpful to talk to people at
would normally take different stages in their careers and
place in and around get advice and information from
the department. Those other PhDs, lecturers, professors,
are crucial not only etc.," Jas explains. "At a time when
for exchanging ideas it could be forgotten, 'Cup of PhD'
but also for fostering a upheld the interdisciplinary way of
With the department's home in
sense of community and belonging." thinking that's at the heart of STS.
Gordon Square closed for much of
the last academic year, everyone Brian's idea was the 'Cup of PhD' Because students were matched with
has needed to adapt to unusual project. PhD students and staff a member of staff outside their usual
circumstances. Normally, the volunteer themselves to be part of a field of study, the conversations
STS kitchen, common room, and pool for random informal pairings. can introduce them to new ways
PhD room would be bustling, "It's like when you walk into the of thinking about, approaching, or
with students and staff chatting kitchen for a cuppa," one member understanding their research.
of staff said. "You've no idea who's
Help with Careers going to be there or what you're Brian confesses a key inspiration
going to talk about. But it happens, for launching 'Cup of PhD' came
STS works with UCL Careers and it can be a highlight of the day." from his own experience when
Service to offer a wide range Key to the plan was to mix students writing a PhD. "Having to explain
of activities: from careers and staff from different areas of what my PhD was about and what I
fairs and networking events expertise. had found to someone who wasn't
to 1-to-1 assistance with CVs my supervisor just really helped,"
and skills self-assessment. Ever the sociologist, Brian kept an he said. "Particularly when I got
eye on the interactions and ensured to 'sticky bits' in my research."
ucl.ac.uk/sts/careers momentum stayed high. The key to Let's hope this kind of innovation
the programme was encouraging continues when everyone is back in
Careers are about more than
staff not to treat these chats as Gordon Square.
one job in one place at one
time. Be strategic and invest supervisions. Informality and
early in the opportunities. collegiality were the goals. Jasmine Chakrabarty
Alchemy 12 Autumn 2021Staff
From Ebola To Covid-19
Professor Sarah Edwards is no pandemic are
stranger to developing STS research fascinating,
about epidemics. Her speciality this is hard
is research ethics in medicine, to keep in
especially in moments of emerging sight at times
crises, such as epidemics. To because of the
what extent can standards of care horror and the
become diluted without becoming urgency of it
negligent? How can we best navigate all."
suspicion around vaccinations?
Should vaccinations be mandatory In the face of
for healthcare workers? the emotional
challenge of
When Sarah first heard about a new conducting
virus affecting people in Wuhan and research
spreading fast, she was engrossed on such an
in efforts to develop research unpredictable,
frameworks for investigating unknown, and
treatments for victims of the Ebola distressing
virus. Realising her expertise was topic, Sarah
needed, she pivoted to this new highlights
subject. Though she says her work the support she received from
on Ebola policy provided her with colleagues. Among STS colleagues, the gorillas themselves, the purpose
"a bit of a run-up" and that she'd as well as those working across of the latter prpopsal was to prevent
been "thinking about some of these the globe, "there is a real sense of a possible virus reservoir growing
issues for a long time," nothing solidarity, a real fondness; we know in apes that could serve to reinfect
quite prepared her for the scale and we are working together." Overall, humans.
the challenges of Covid-19. it has been this unity, across both
physical and disciplinary borders, For Sarah, the question of what she
With Covid-19, Sarah and her typical of STS, which has guided will do next remains open, but the
colleagues were suddenly faced with much of her research into the threat of future pandemics remains
the task of developing policy for pandemic. on the horizon. We'll always need
the response to Covid-19 in real- experts to guide research into these
time. Not an easy challenge. Among Before joining UCL, Sarah worked troubling subjects.
many other research activities, they at Bristol University, where she
tracked hotspots of transmission taught ethics and law to medical Jasmine Chakrabarty
between healthcare workers at students. Her research explored
UCLH. They investigated perceived the interrelationship between
coercion and psychological well- methodology and ethics in health
being for healthcare workers while research. For example, she critically
safety and treatment measures examined the randomised control
were being implemented. Recalling trial's gold-standard status, and
the emotional strain of the work, she explored the ethics of using
Sarah explains, "it was difficult on placebos. During the Ebola outbreak
an emotional and personal level in 2014, this work helped guide her "We think about science as a
to do research in this field; it was research into policy topics around pursuit which is not conduct-
horrendous to hear it play out in vaccination, the medical treatment ed in isolation, but connected
real time." She adds, "Although, of the population, and even the to all sorts of branches of
from a scientific perspective, controversial vaccination of gorillas what we call culture."
many of the questions around the against Ebola. As well as protecting Dr. Chiara Ambrosio
Alchemy 13 Autumn 2021Staff
Researching UCL's History of Eugenics
"The feeling when you find
something where you didn't expect
to find it – I have had it quite a
few times now and the feeling is
something else!," laughs Dr Maria
Kiladi. "When you find material
other people have not looked
at thoroughly before, it has the
potential to reconfigure everything
people were thinking about the
subject. That's the beauty of
research."
Maria is STS Research Fellow in
the History of Eugenics, part of the
Legacies of Eugenics project in STS. Dr Maria Kiladi
Her way into the department was
not conventional. A pianist with a
Bachelor's degree in performance the difficulties of her research, she the activities of people like Francis
and composition, Maria became does not regret it one bit. "Working Galton, Karl Pearson, Ronald Fisher
interested in the history of music. with archives was so exciting and and others. Although her post
She earned a PhD in historical fascinating. It's a shame that there is with the Inquiry began only as a
musicology, at Royal Holloway, not a lot of that these days." 4-month position, she suspected
University of London, in 2007. the change in employment could
During her PhD, she investigated Maria started working in UCL
be the beginning of a major career
the cultural activities of the UK Special Collections in 2008, a year
shift. "When I started to work on the
Labour and Communist parties after beginning her PhD. "It was
archives with Joe Cain, we realised
during the 1920s and 30s. The more mainly just to support my living
there was a lot more to uncover. The
she wrote on the costs and
deeper you dig, the more you find."
subject, the more not really a
Soon, her post was extended and
fascinated she career move
she produced important historical
became with the Find out more or anything."
research for the Inquiry's final
political context In hindsight,
documentation.
of the time. She Legacies-of-Eugenics.org however, it
chuckles, "That definitely "You quickly realise that eugenics
was not always to was career is absolutely not something that
my supervisor's changing. happened just at UCL and nowhere
liking. They kept telling me: 'You are Maria else," Maria explains. Racist and
doing a PhD in history of music and worked in the library until 2019, ableist laws based on eugenics
not in history of politics!'" simultaneously completing her PhD pseudo-science took off mostly in
and adding a second Master's degree countries like the US and Germany,
The skills she developed in her (in digital humanities from UCL) to but the ideas found their way into
degree have proven invaluable for her list of accomplishments. UK politics as well. The Eugenics
the work she now is undertaking Educational Society, founded in
on history of eugenics at UCL. With her knowledge of 20th century
1907 by a close friend of Galton,
Digging deep into 19th century British history and her expertise
was a network of influential
unedited scriptures in the British in UCL Special Collections, Maria
scientists and politicians. Their
Library, searching and finding was ideal for a research post created
"aggressive lobbying" eventually
sources were crucial to her to support the 2018-2020 UCL
led to the passing of the 1913
professional development. "It was Eugenics Inquiry. She knew just
Mental Deficiency Act, on the basis
hardcore archival work." Despite where to look to help bring to light
Alchemy 14 Autumn 2021Staff
of which UK citizens considered
'feeble-minded' could be detained.
"That shows you just how far-
reaching these networks of people
and thought were," Maria says. At
the same time, Maria stresses the
need to recognise opposition to
eugenics was widespread in the
UK and at UCL. "That's something
people like to ignore."
When the Inquiry ended, Maria
kept her focus on eugenics, helping
to create the follow-on "Legacies
of Eugenics" project. As part of
Legacies, Maria wants to shed light
on the political context of the time
and the complex power relations "Eugenics Tree" from Second
at play for eugenics researchers International Exhibition of Eugenics
working at UCL. Having studied Held September 22 to October 22, 1921
the UK's political parties during
the first half of the 20th century
for her PhD definitely helps her
grasp the political landscape of UCL Removes Names on Facilities
the time. She has become editor of Owing to Legacy of Eugenics
the Legacies of Eugenics blog, and
she has been working to increase UCL de-named some of its lecture theatres and buildings in June
knowledge about how and where to 2020 as a direct result of recommendations coming from the 2018-
find material related to the history 20 Eugenics Inquiry, including the MORE Group recommendations
of eugenics in UCL's history. In the (supported by the majority of committee members) and the chair's
coming academic year, she'll help report. Three locations were de-named with immediate effect:
deliver the "Eugenics in Science and Galton Lecture Theatre, Pearson Lecture Theatre, and the Pearson
Culture" module. Building. UCL also released a formal apology for its role in promot-
ing eugenics as a research subject and as a policy goal.
Will we ever be done studying
the history of eugenics? Maria "It's about time," says Professor Joe Cain. "This is something we've
been campaigning on for a long time." Joe says he is proud to see
is convinced that won't happen.
how people from the department have been involved in those ef-
"More and more material becomes forts: "What STS people do really well is recognizing and challeng-
available to research, which ing science in its social, political and cultural contexts. De-naming
might make you see eugenics in a academic facilities is a perfect example of that. Anti-eugenics is
completely different context. Every another example, and STS is rich with engagement on many other
generation of historians naturally topics, too." According to him, UCL needs to do a better job at ad-
has a new perspective on what has dressing existing ableist discrimination in the academy. He says
been studied before...I think it is that was a subject profoundly neglected in UCL's Eugenics Inquiry,
important to broaden up the whole and it cannot be displaced by other politicised agendas.
question of eugenics and take it to a
Did you know the Pearson Building was once known informally as
much higher level of sophistication."
the "Eugenics Building" and housed UCL's Department of Eugen-
Franziska Link ics? It's now the "North-West Wing of the Wilkins Building".
Alchemy 15 Autumn 2021Staff
UK Pandemic Ethics Accelerator
From Covid-19 data trackers
and case surveillance to vaccine
passports, policy developers
have seen unprecedented
ethical challenges related to
the collection and use of data
during the pandemic. The speed
and complexity of these ethical
challenges cries out for STS thinking
and STS solutions. Fortunately, STS
academics, Dr Melanie Smallman
and Dr Cian O'Donovan, have
jumped into this policy development Dr Melanie Smallman Dr Cian O'Donovan
arena. "What can social scientists
or people in arts and humanities and innovation policy. We also questions of what kinds of data get
contribute," asked Cian, "when it have experts in public engagement, reported? Who controls that data
comes to ethics in decision making?" foresight, medical sociology, and once it's collected? Why are many
so on. Somewhere in the middle, care homes unwilling to share data,
Melanie and Cian have taken
we get to meet, and we get to think especially when competitors can
a leading position in the 'UK
about what all this means for Covid see it? There are lots of tensions
Pandemic Ethics Accelerator,' a new
decision-making." and incentives when it comes to
collaborative initiative combining
arguments about data."
expertise from UCL and other
institutions. The goal is to maximise "Civil society, activists groups,
the quality of ethical considerations
across science, medicine, policy and democratic groups, and industry bodies
society in response to the pandemic.
Cian explains, "Rather than a rapid should be fully engaged in ethical
response to Covid-19, we (in the
Ethics Accelerator) are now asking
evaluation...We can't leave this to
the question of how do we live with government on its own."
the virus over the long term. This
virus is not going away anytime
soon, so we're looking at what Collaborating with Professor James Ethical dilemmas over data in the
kinds of ethical and policy thinking Wilson in UCL Philosophy, Melanie social care sector reflect larger
we need to deal with for societal and Cian's work includes a project debates across society during the
problems over the coming years." on ethical challenges in large-scale pandemic. Cian warns, "Decisions
data collection and use. What are made today will be with us for
Expertise in the Ethics Accelerator
the implications for privacy? data a long time." Experience shows
draws from a variety of fields.
ownership? monetisation? re- systems will be hard to change
As Cian maps this out, "We have
use? disposal? Recently, Cian has once they are installed and people
people, myself and Melanie for
been working on the topic of data become invested in certain ways
instance, who are experts in science
collection and use in the social care of working. Justifying the need
sector. How do local authorities use for policy acceleration, Cian
big data to prioritise equipment and explains, "This is why our work is
Find out more testing? "This is the policy area in so important right now." Cian and
which the most vulnerable people Melanie also emphasise the need
UK Pandemic Ethics are involved, and there are some for policymakers to consider ethical
Accelerator Project:
big policy and humanitarian issues implications at different scales and
ukpandemicethics.org
here," Cian explains. "There are in different societies. Too often
Alchemy 16 Autumn 2021Staff
What's more important for Britain's care homes:
health or sustainability?
Technologies like digital as- care is delivered, who does it, and Ruskin University. It is funded by
sistants, automated lighting, what will be the terms of the interac- the UK's Engineering and Physi-
and surveillance gear now are tion. Residents deserve much more cal Science Research Council.
common sights in social hous- of a say in the planning and delivery
ing. As we adapt to living with of those services. Overall, the idea is to investigate
Covid-19, technologies that the environmental impacts of
promise remote delivery of care In September 2021, STS experts in digital services for health and
have obvious appeal. But these innovation policy, Dr Melanie Small- wellbeing in clinical care and in
technologies often come with man and Dr Cian O'Donovan launch social care settings. As the UK
hidden costs for the planet and a project dedicated to researching builds back from the pandemic,
for people. environmental impacts of digital questions about digital transfor-
services for health and wellbeing in mation and sustainability have
Manufacturing, global shipping the home. This will be a two-year, never been more important. Are
and cloud-based data services £890,000 collaborative project, there ways to absorb the gains
are energy hungry technolo- working with partners at University developed in the past two years
gies. Their widespread use will of Sussex, University of Manches- without adding to our environ-
contribute to climate change. ter, Imperial College and Anglia mental problems or compromis-
Choices about technologies ing efforts to improve sustain-
also carry decisions about how ability?
they consider ethical implications "Civil society, activists groups, settlements," Cian concludes. "We
for individuals, but ignore the democratic groups, and industry can't leave this to government on its
fact they live in communities and bodies should be fully engaged in own."
that communities differ across the ethical evaluation, and they must
Lujia Zhang
region, the nation, and the world. lobby for new regulations and
Alchemy 17 Autumn 2021Staff
From Qantas to STS
unfortunately I was made redundant time it came around, I found I was
due to the pandemic." But STS gains really looking forward to it."
hugely from Victoria's resilience
and her wealth of transferable skills. After a few months' experience in
"I was doing an interim job as an STS, Victoria has had time to reflect
administrator slash receptionist, on some of the connections between
then I heard about this role in STS. STS and her previous employment.
I was looking for a new challenge. It "At first I thought there was no
sounded like the kind of role where connection at all between what I
I could make a real contribution." knew well, which was the airline
industry, and STS. But I've been
For Victoria, the crossover from realising the connections are strong.
working in the airline industry to In my time with Qantas, I've gone
working in a university department through earthquakes, I've had to
like STS has had its challenges. deal with airlines being shut down
"For me, one of the struggles was because of volcanic eruption, we
to learn all this new stuff: new introduced new technologies on
systems, new procedures, and even the flight side, and so much more."
new terminology. But I
couldn't have asked for
Victoria Mounsey a warmer welcome," she "When I heard about this role
says. As STS Operations
Administrator,
in STS, I was looking for a new
The newest member of the STS
professional services team is Victoria's position challenge. It sounded like the
centres around keeping
Victoria Mounsey, who succeeds
Malcolm Chalmers as STS the department running kind of role where I could make a
day-to-day: everything
Operations Administrator. Victoria
from local maintenance
real contribution.."
comes to STS following a long-term
career in the airline industry. "I to events management.
originally was working for Qantas She also is the key person for STS Realising the transferability of those
Airways, and I had been with communications: maintaining the experiences, Victoria now realises
them for 13 years," she says. Like STS website, helping to spread just how good the fit is with STS. "I
many others during the pandemic, the word on social media about went through things in my old job
Victoria experienced first-hand the departmental events, and generally that sparked my interest in the stuff
uncertainties of the airline industry. keeping up the buzz around STS's STS teaches. I'm ready to be part of
"I worked in many different roles many activities. As she explains, those conversations."
within Qantas. I'd only been in her role is the "behind-the-scenes"
work that most students and visitors For Victoria, learning the ropes as
my last role for two years, but STS Operations Administrator has
barely notice.
helped her to become more engaged
A good example was the work with science in society. Now, she
"STS helps me to know how Victoria put into promoting this encourages others to do the same.
scientists develop research year's STS Haldane Lecture, which "If anybody was looking to work
(especially in climate change Professor Ruha Benjamin delivered within STS, I would say "yes, it's a
and global warming), and in June 2021. The lecture drew great team to work in." And for the
it helps me understand the a large audience, and Victoria's students? "If you're interested in
social processes that actually
behind-the-scenes advertising and the ways science works in real life,
facilitate that research."
— Whitney Wong audience engagement helped make then STS has absolutely fantastic
STS Postgraduate Student it a great success. She says, "Helping courses!"
to get the word out actually
increased my own interest. By the Chelsea Tripp
Alchemy 18 Autumn 2021Staff
Diversifying Voices in History of Science
In July 2020, STS appointed attention to the forgotten scientific
Dr Jenny Bulstrode as a new perspectives and innovations
Lecturer in History of Science and produced by people commonly
Technology. She's an expert on under-represented in histories of
science and technology in 18th and science and technology told from a
19th century Atlantic economies. typical white, British perspective.
Her background is as a historian of
physics and industrial technology, For Jenny, the purpose of her
with a particular interest in the research, and more generally the
universalising claims of science purpose of STS, is to rethink the
and capitalism, and cross-cultural process of knowledge-making and
encounters in experiment, practices of inclusivity. STS is "the
innovation and materials. social basis of knowledge," she
says. "There are lots of important
"My main research at the moment questions that stem from that: What
is a collaboration with Jamaican is knowledge? How is it made? Who
archaeologists and UK leaders is represented and who is excluded?
in energy transition research to Who benefits and who is negatively
impacted?"
"Seize the opportunity to research Jenny argues STS Dr Jenny Bulstrode
needs to provoke
and write things you care about. revisions to our ("the RI"). In that role, Jenny
Share your work with peers, then understanding
of history of
modestly says, she "supports their
communication of the importance
meet up and discuss that work science. It must of history of science to present-
push us to day challenges". Reflecting on the
beyond the classroom." present more start of her career in STS, Jenny
diverse voices. is optimistic and energetic. "This
understand the debt of the British It also must year has been a very busy year, but
industrial revolution to the skilled push us to be more critical of what I know that in due course there
metallurgy of the Black Atlantic," we read. With a view towards her will be the opportunity to pursue
Jenny explains. This involved teaching, this is a skill Jenny wants research that I find challenging
trying to interpret "the significance to encourage in every module and important, and that itself is an
of historical techniques in West she teaches, telling students in extraordinary privilege."
African-derived metallurgy [the advance to "seize the opportunity
to research and write things you Chelsea Tripp
extraction of metals] for innovative
energy futures". care about. Share your work with
peers, then meet up and discuss
The research Jenny conducts is that work beyond the classroom.
quintessentially STS, bringing It's in those interactions that you'll
really push your thinking to the next
level and have the most formative
experiences."
Congratulations are in order "STS is a fantastic subject
for newly promoted Professor Unique in STS, Jenny has a joint for everyone interested in
Jack Stilgoe. Jack becomes appointment with the Royal science and technology,
STS's ninth professor amongst Institution of Great Britain and its place in the world.
current staff. That is what STS does."
—Prof. Jon Agar
Alchemy 19 Autumn 2021You can also read
