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Prof Brian Balmer
Professor of Science Policy Studies
Dept of Science & Technology Studies
Faculty of Maths & Physical Sciences
- Joined UCL
- 1st Sep 1994
Research summary
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: military technology and arms limitation - particularly the history of chemical and biological warfare; policies for biotechnology and genetics; scientific migration and the 'brain drain'; the role of volunteers in biomedical research; science policy and the sociology of science.
For my full web-pages please go to: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/staff/balmer
For my AHRC funded project on the historical context of the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention go to: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/historical-context-origins-biological-weapons-convention-bwc
Teaching summary
For my full teaching duties and related responsibilities please see:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/staff/balmer
HPSC0012: Policy Issues in the Life Sciences
HPSC0039: Science, Warfare and Peace
HPSC0088: STS Perspectives on Security and War
I have supervised 20 PhD students on topics related to science policy and the sociology of science and technology. Many of the topics related to understanding developments in the life sciences in their social, political and economic context.
Education
- University of Sussex
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1993
- University of Sussex
- Other higher degree, Master of Science | 1990
- University of Oxford
- First Degree, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) | 1987