Dr Simon Lock

Associate Professor

Dept of Science & Technology Studies

Faculty of Maths & Physical Sciences

Joined UCL: 1st Jul 2007

Research summary

Their research focus is interdisciplinary examining the public dimensions of science and technology from sociological, historical, cultural and policy-related perspectives. Past work has largely focused on the public understanding of science, science communication, public engagement with science and technology across a wide range of cultural and policy settings.

More recent work considers the broader cultural dimensions of science, technology and medicine and social justice and inclusive science communication and engagement. In particular, they are currently developing work within the nascent field of ‘Queer STS’ which aims to unpick the heteronormative, gendered and racialised architectures within and around cultures of science and knowledge production and also engaging in research which brings social justice and queer critiques to science communication and engagement.

Current research projects include an investigation of LGBTQ+ staff experiences of academic spaces, a project on heteronormativity in STEMM and projects on inclusive science communication. They are also working on an EDI funded project conducting focus groups with students from marginalised and minoritised groups in STEMM.

Past funded research projects include INGRAINED an RCUK grant (held jointly between STS, OVPR and the Public Engagement Unit) which explored how to widen decision-making on research strategies within UCL beyond traditional experts. An ESRC funded project on public consultation, knowledge and nationally significant infrastructure climate change projects. They have also worked on projects concerned with public engagement with science and technology for the Royal Society, the RSA and the Government Office of Science and has worked for the Wellcome Trust on researcher attitudes to public engagement.

Teaching summary

Simon teaches a variety of modules in science communication, public engagement and science, technology and identity across the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the STS department They also convene the 'Introduction to Critical Sexualities' module for the MA in Gender and Representation.

For many years they also taught public engagement with research skills for the Graduate School.

They have completed a Certificate in Postgraduate Teaching and Learning at the Institute of Education, London.

Education

Institute of Education: Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education | 2013
University of London: Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 2009
Birkbeck College: Other higher degree, Master of Science | 2001
University College London: First Degree, Bachelor of Science | 2000

Biography

Dr Simon J Lock is an Associate Professor in Science Communication and Governance in the Department of Science and Technology Studies at UCL.

They are currently also Co-Director of qUCL, UCL’s research centre on gender and sexual diversity. research focuses on science in public, the governance of science, and the sociology of science. As Co-Director of qUCL, they develop and chair academic seminars for the Queer Space Research Forum, run conferences and public engagement events showcasing UCL- based research on gender and sexual diversity alongside national and international work. qUCL also facilitates and fosters research collaborations with UCL academics and external LGBTQ+ organisations.

They also engage in EDI work across UCL, sitting on LESG (LGBTQ+ Equality Steering Group) and LEIG (LGBTQ+ Equality Implementation Group).

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