UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies

1. historical/sociological case studies in 20th century science and technology
2. science policy: contemporary and past decision-making about science, including science funding, big science projects, and governance

1. 20th Century Visual History and its philosophical implications 
2. American Pragmatism and its contemporary revival in Philosophy of Science 
3. Models and Representations 
4. Scientific pluralism, tackled through historical case-studies 
5. Scientific Discovery Projects that focus on an Integrated History and Philosophy of Science approach are particularly welcome.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss your ideas.

1. areas related to science policy and sociology of science; these can have a contemporary or historical focus. Keep your eyes on the newspapers for controversies around emerging areas of science and technology, as these can often be good case studies.
2. contemporary issues or history of chemical and biological warfare are welcome
3. the debate about animal-human hybrids for stem cell research (see any news items from the week 3-7th Sept 2007).
4. planning for the end of the world (historical or contemporary case studies of planning for nuclear war, terrorism, and other nice things) - this would focus on the role of experts and ask more theoretical questions about the nature of expertise.
5. science, technology and leisure - including sports technology, music technology etc e.g. gender and drug testing in sport (see the journal Social Studies of Science 2007 Vol.37 No.2 for two articles about sports technologies)

1. Investigating the role of digital media in science.  Projects under this theme could explore the usage of social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs etc.) within a particular scientific domain, or evaluate a specific project or activity (for example the Bright Club podcasts or the RI Channel).
2. Practical evaluation of the impact(s) of a science communication activity or project.  This could include for example conducting surveys, interviews, event observations and/or media analyses.  There are plenty of interesting potential areas to focus on (e.g. Roger Kneebone's 'simulated theatre' public engagement activities, or a Science Museum 'Lates' event), and I'm very happy to discuss further what might be appropriate – it's a great way to make connections and demonstrate wider practical skills for future employability.
3. How have the Royal Institution's Christmas Lectures developed over time?  The idea is to systematically review a selection of existing video footage from the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures to investigate what changes have occurred in their delivery over time.  The focus is flexible but should relate in some way to science communication perspectives – e.g. the language used, style and tone employed, ratio of demonstrations to explanations, portrayal of scientists, representation of minorities etc. etc.

You are strongly encouraged to come and chat to me in person if any of the above appeal – it's the best way to find out directly whether this is the right project for you.

history and philosophy of life sciences - [jump to Cain's suggestions]

For details on the kind of projects Brendan is interested in supervising please visit his website.

1. The relation of science and religion, especially (though not exclusively) in the seventeenth century
2. The relation of magic and science (astrology, alchemy)
3. Chinese and Islamic science up to 1600
4. Ancient and early modern medicine, up to William Harvey
5. Any aspect of ancient Greek science, though especially astronomy, cosmology or cosmogony.

Dr Illari is on research leave during 2012-13 and will not be available for supervising dissertations.

1. ideas to come

1. public understanding of science

1. intercultural interactions, especially in Medieval and Early Modern periods
2. history of sleep studies
3. changing conceptions on infancy, adolescence, and adulthood prior to the Englightment
4. history of medicine

1. Media coverage of astronomy.
2. How does astronomy fit into the "dialogue and debate" agenda?
3. What is the European dimension to science communication?
4. Are scientists prepared for the "dialogue and debate" agenda?
5. Other science communication topics in the physical sciences

1. ideas to come

1. philosophy of chemistry
2. philosophy of science

1. ideas to come