A continual question amongst the Science and Technology Studies (STS) community (as well as in anthropology and related disciplines) is how to manage relationships with the subjects of our studies. Those of us conducting research on contemporary topics often need to reflect on our roles in shaping the work that we are then studying, and how to navigate the need for analytic distance and the need for close proximity to gather data. Coupled with this is the desire that many of us have to not only study, e.g. the governance of security concerns around emerging technology, but also to engage in building better governance systems, together with all the normative baggage that carries.
This research project explores and develops the range of tools available to engaged STS scholarship. The focus is on how to balance the myriad concerns about academic integrity, impactful engagement, and maintaining a trusting relationship with the communities we research.