Key Characteristics of Science Technology and the Society
Science Technology and the Society, In a nutshell, science and technology (STS) is the study of how people develop and use science[1] and technology in their daily lives. It also explores the consequences of these developments, in historical, cultural, and social contexts. Science and technology studies can be helpful in understanding today’s complex global society. The field of STS is broad, encompassing a wide range of topics, including human behavior, economics, and culture.[2]
Research in STS
STS is a teaching field[3] that bridges science and society. While specialized training at research universities is essential, it is insufficient to prepare future citizens for the complex challenges facing society today. This field strives to break down traditional barriers between the humanities and the natural sciences and emphasizes the role of both. Listed below are the key characteristics of STS. You might find one of these traits appealing or interesting. Interested in research in science technology and the society?
The Division of Science Technology and the Society (STS) accepts proposals in four broad areas. The focus of these studies[4] is on the human and societal role of science and technology, as well as the implications of scientific and technological developments. Students may pursue their studies in a variety of perspectives, as well as employ a variety of research methodologies. In addition, students can apply their knowledge to the field of science policy and law.
The STS program also supports the organization[5] of conferences and workshops. Conferences should describe a specific need for such gatherings, and include the date, venue, topics, and participants. Young scholars and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to attend these meetings. Typically, STS supports conferences up to $25,000, and attendance expenses should be listed under Participant Support. Please note that indirect costs such as travel and lodging are not eligible.
Graduate students can apply for an STS Postdoctoral Fellowship. These fellowships are available for regular graduate[6] students, as well as for people who have completed a PhD. To qualify for a postdoctoral fellowship, you must be a US citizen or have permanent resident status. To be eligible, you should be between five and eight years out from your PhD. This fellowship is available for US citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
An STS Fellowship is a training opportunity[7] that develops methodological skills and the research experience of a postdoctoral researcher. Applicants must include both a training and research component in their proposals. The training location must be different from the Fellow’s PhD institution, and you should justify this choice in the proposal. Similarly, the host faculty member should describe how they plan to collaborate with the Fellow. It is important to note that host institutions must agree to provide adequate facilities and space for the Fellow.[8]
Programs in STS
STS programs provide students[9] with a broad range of skills and knowledge in the fields of science, technology, and society. Students who graduate with a degree in STS have the skills to work in diverse fields such as technology, journalism, and policy. They are also well prepared to enter the fields of medicine, law, business, and education. Listed below are just a few examples of STS careers. These programs are designed to prepare students to be ethical scientists, technologists, and leaders of engineering for social good.
Majors in STS take 30 credits of course work to earn their B.S. or M.S. degrees. During their undergraduate years, students complete[10] a breadth requirement of four courses, including history, philosophy of science, assessment, and other courses in STS. They also complete their Specialty in STS, a concentration focused on a coherent theme. After completing their major requirements, students will be well-prepared to take graduate courses and pursue careers in fields like health sciences, science writing, and public policy.
The STS Program at MIT offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding the social, political, and technological implications[11] of new technologies. Students who complete the certificate program will learn to evaluate experts and understand the social and political implications of their work. In addition, STS scholars will learn how to engage in public debates about science and technology and the role of science in society. They will also be able to expand their career opportunities and become knowledgeable science journalists.
STS majors will study the history and theoretical foundations of science, as well as how science and technology are used in contemporary[12] society. They will take core courses in historiography and philosophy of science, as well as research seminars that will focus on a specific field. Senior projects will either be written products or lab investigations, but they must include a focus on broader questions raised by STS. They can also consider biotechnology, health, or environmental issues.
The MIT program in science, technology, and society focuses on policymaking in the context of emerging technologies. The program integrates the humanities with science and policy[13] and provides a strong foundation for careers in various fields. It also helps students develop skills in writing policy proposals and other documents for government agencies. For example, students can work in policy-making organizations and influence the future of science. If they are interested in helping policymakers, they can pursue a graduate certificate program in STePS.
Research priorities in STS
For example, ‘omics’ data, nanomaterials, and quantum systems are not included in the NP, nor are ‘omics’ technologies[14] and applications. In addition, applications of science and technology to improve animal and human health are not considered. However, there are some priorities in NP that are worth pursuing. For instance, improving management of nuclear reactors and developing next-generation reactors should be high on the priority list.
As environmental challenges become more pronounced, we must address these risks. Our unsustainable lifestyles are causing[15] loss of biodiversity, climate warming, health risks, and social instability. We need to address these challenges urgently, and this requires identifying and prioritising research priorities. The STS Priority Group has been created to address these issues, fostering networking and cooperation among scientists in the field. Among its objectives are to advance the understanding of the effects of various technologies on society and the environment.
This survey includes academic scientists across three subfields. The survey was administered online. Survey invitations were sent to respondents, as well as personalized email reminders. The survey[16] results are shown in a graphic. The top ten topics are listed below. The results are divided by area. The survey results are summarized in three graphs. The survey’s methodology focuses on the intersection between various disciplinary cultures. This can result in new disciplines and profound impact.
Biological and environmental research is a priority area. This program supports basic research and scientific user facilities, including genomics. This research helps us understand complex[17] systems, and develop technologies to study them. For example, it aims to better understand how genomic information is translated into functional capabilities. Moreover, it aims to develop methods and tools for probing microbial and plant systems in situ. Furthermore, this research program supports the DOE Joint Genome Institute, and develops instrumentation at national user facilities.
Research in electrochemistry is another[18] area of high priority. The field is integral to chemical processes and systems. Advancements in electrochemistry could solve long-standing problems related to chemical energy conversion and solar energy. It also has the potential to discover novel chemical processes and mitigate corrosion in energy production systems. The national laboratory system has extensive expertise in electrochemistry and is developing advanced computational and experimental capabilities. The research in this field is essential to meet the challenges of energy production.
Impacts of STS on society
Generally, a large portion of Americans believe that science and technology have benefited society. However, a large portion of this group also have reservations about the future use of cutting-edge biomedical developments. Despite these concerns, large segments of the population[19] see science and technology as largely beneficial forces in society. For example, two-thirds of U.S. adults say that science and technology have benefited society in a mostly positive way, while 27% say the opposite.
The accelerated pace of development in science and technology has created an increasing gap between technological capabilities and human capacities, as well as between public policies, ethical standards, and cultural adaptation. This has prompted the need for new organizational models for science and technology research. The Latin-American Meeting will examine the different perspectives on various issues related[20] to social, political, educational, and environmental concerns. It will also explore possible connections between science and technology and industry, occupations, and educational programs.
One troubling impact of technologies is the depletion of natural resources. Some of these resources include food sources and fossil fuels. The ethanol industry, for example, has contributed to a decrease[21] in global corn supplies. In addition, the world’s hunger for electronics has depleted rare minerals, and this is likely to contribute to conflicts around the world. But this relationship between science and technology is not a new one.
The private sector has benefited from the advancement of science and technology. The development of wireless technologies has also made it possible to track the weather or climate. The NWS has adopted technologies such as National Digital Forecast Database to help people in remote[22] areas plan for their activities. Meanwhile, new technologies have led to new waste, which is not yet recovered. These technologies have also changed the expectations of users. The impacts of science and technology on society are numerous.
The most obvious and profound impact of technology on society is the impact it has on human societies. While the creation of superior technologies gives rise to a more robust economy, these technologies are often rooted in the behaviors of the[23] populace. Today, funding sources for technological endeavors are virtually unlimited. Previously, investment in technological innovation required the time and labor of just a few men. Today, it may take the collective labor of millions of people.
