Call for Papers

For its XXXVI Symposium, the Scientific Instruments Commission seeks to gather case-studies, in-depth papers and experiential reports offering a variety of perspectives around the theme ‘Scientific Instruments Between the Local and Global’.

We invite submissions of papers that identify and discuss new approaches to the study of scientific instruments and their collections, including new analytic methods, new cross-disciplinary perspectives, new ways of public engagement and display aimed at reaching broader audiences, new knowledge of networks of makers and users as well as studies of ‘newer’/post-war instruments, including the impact of the Cold War in scientific instruments at global and local levels. We would also like to examine new social and political aims for scientific instruments and scientific heritage.

While we especially welcome papers within this broad thematic framework, in keeping with the tradition at SIC symposia, submissions will not be restricted to the theme. Strong papers that generally contribute to the history of scientific instruments, their collections and museums, as well as their broader use within the history of science, technology and medicine, may also be accepted.

This forthcoming SIC annual symposium is integrated in the ICHST2017 (25th International Congress of the History of Science and Technology, 23-25 July 2017). The Program will be divided between the main ICHST host – the Praia Vermelha campus of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – and the Museum of Astronomy of Rio the Janeiro (MAST).

Submission Details

The conference language is English. Oral presentations, posters and sessions can be submitted for review.

Oral presentations:
Duration: 20 min + 10 min discussion

Sessions:
3-4 papers max
Session organisers should compile the abstracts, provide a session title.

Poster papers:
Posters should be (0,90x1,50)m, portrait format.

Please use the proposal template available here.

Send proposals and a short biography highlighting main research interests (max. 50 words) before 5 November 2016 to:
Marcus Granato
Chair of the Local Organising Committee
marcus@mast.br

Travel grants will be available (to be announced soon).