Dr Brian Balmer

Expertise

Reader in Science Policy Studies (DPhil and MSc in Science and Technology Policy Studies, University of Sussex).

A selection of Dr Balmer's publications is here.

My research interests focus on the nature of scientific expertise, and the role of experts in science policy formation, particularly within the life sciences. My specific interests combine historical and sociological approaches and include: policies for biotechnology and genetics; military technology and arms limitation - particularly the history of chemical and biological warfare; the role of volunteers in biomedical research; science policy and the sociology of science.

Research Activities

Policies for biotechnology and genetics, the control of biological weapons, the role of volunteers in biomedical research, and the sociology of science:

• Science policy and the Human Genome Mapping Project (publications)
• History of biological warfare research and policy in the UK
  (publications)
• The subject-researcher relationship in biomedical research
  (publications)
  (Click here for details of ESRC funded Research Project)
• The history of the 'brain drain' debate in the UK
  (Click here for details of ESRC funded Research Project)

PhD Supervision

I have supervised a range of PhD students on topics related to science policy and sociology of science. This is a list of completed PhDs that I have supervised:

• Riesch, Hauke (2008) Scientists' views on the scientific method (supervised with Hasok Chang, STS)
• Washer, Peter (2006) Representations of newly emerging and re-emerging diseases (supervised with Helene Joffe, Psychology)
• Stilgoe, Jack (2004) Mobile health risks: attempting a sociology of public science (supervised with Jon Turney, STS)
• Doubleday, Rob (2003) Corporate uses of "transparency" in GM food controversies (supervised with Gail Davies, Geography)
• Jane Calvert (2001) Goodbye blue skies? The concept of ‘basic research’ and its role in a changing funding environment (supervised with Ben Martin, SPRU)
• Hedgecoe, Adam (2000) Narratives of geneticization: cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and schizophrenia (supervised with Jon Turney, STS)
  

Administrative Duties

2nd Year Human Sciences Tutor
MSc Admissions Officer
Co-ordinator, HPSC1007
Departmental Research Coordinator
Chair of STS Undergraduate Exam Board