Institute for Advanced Studies on Science, Technology and Society (IAS-STS) Fellowship

Overview

The IAS-STS in Graz, Austria, promotes the interdisciplinary investigation of the links and interactions between science, technology and society as well as technology assessment and research into the development and implementation of socially and environmentally sound technologies. The IAS-STS is broadly speaking, an institute for the enhancement of science and technology studies. The IAS-STS invites researchers to apply for a stay between 1 October 2012 and 30 June 2013 as a

- Research Fellow (up to nine months) or as a

- Visiting Scholar (shorter period, e.g. a month)

The IAS-STS offers excellent research infrastructure. Close co-operation with researchers at the IFZ (Inter-University Research Centre for Technology, Work and Culture; see: www.ifz.tugraz.at), guest lectures, workshops and conferences provide an atmosphere of creativity and scholarly discussion.

Furthermore we can offer five grants (up to EUR 940,- per month) for long-term Research Fellows at the IAS-STS.

The Fellowship Programme 2012-2013 is dedicated to projects investigating the following issues:

1. Gender – Technology – Environment

This area of research particularly focuses on gender dimensions of science and technology. On the one hand individual perspectives of actors in the technological field are taken into account, on the other hand educational, organisational, societal, environmental and political issues are gaining more and more relevance. Current promising research will also shed more light on the interrelation between individuals’ concepts and media representations of gender and technology.

2. Genetics and Biotechnology

A focus of the Fellowship Programme lies on research providing a critical analysis of the life sciences. Researchers investigating either social aspects of biomedicine or risk and wider governance issues related to agricultural biotechnology are especially encouraged to apply.

3. Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP)

SCP seeks to promote social and economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems. New strategies and concrete tools are needed to change individual and institutional patterns of consumption and to enhance corporate responsibility (CR) of organisations. Researchers investigating patterns of consumption and intervention strategies to promote sustainable lifestyles among both public and private consumers or working within the thematic field of ecological product policy are encouraged to apply. Research projects integrating product assessment tools such as LCA, carbon footprint, MIPS or related methods are also of special interest.

4. Energy and Climate

On basis of the analysis of social, technological and organisational framework of energy use projects should contribute to the shaping of sustainable energy, climate and technology policies. They should aim at socio-economic aspects of energy technologies or at strategies of environmental technology policy. They should develop measures and strategies for the promotion of renewable energy sources, for the transition to a sustainable energy system or contribute to the field of sustainable construction. Regional governance, climate policy strategies, innovation policy and the role of users are important themes. In addition, the Manfred Heindler grant is awarded for research projects on the increased use of renewable energies and on a more efficient use of energy.

5. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

Novel developments in ICT-related fields are investigated from the perspective of the social studies and the philosophy of science and technology. The inquiry covers a variety of research areas concerning ICTs and human agency. Topics may include Artificial Intelligence, ubiquitous computing, intelligent environments or ICTs and mobility. These topics are analysed with respect to their wider social, ethical and political implications. Further possible issues of interest are the social shaping of ICTs, ICT risk management and ICTs and innovation policies.

Applications must be submitted to the IAS-STS by 31 December 2011.

For application forms and further information:

Please visit our website: www.sts.tugraz.at

Institute for Advanced Studies on Science, Technology and Society (IAS-STS)

Attn. Günter Getzinger

Kopernikusgasse 9

8010 Graz – Austria

E-mail: info@sts.tugraz.at

Attached files

Application for Appointment as Research Fellow or Visiting Scholar (PDF, 96.43 kB)

Application for Appointment as Research Fellow or Visiting Scholar (MSWORD, 66.50 kB)

Grant Application (PDF, 89.08 kB)