Researching the Researcher

Radio program: Engaged field study by social scientist Birgitte Gorm Hansen on the UNIK synthetic biology initiative gives insights on the effects of scientists adapting to changing research policies and insights on how they navigate the "knowledge economy".

Creating a novel field of research while navigating a landscape of scientific praxis, industrial interests and political agendas is at the heart of Center for Synthetic Biology.

This is also the focus of the PhD thesis by Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School, Birgitte Gorm Hansen

In her thesis she examines the strategies chosen by scientists aiming at creating initatives like UNIK Center for Synthetic Biology. For her field work, Birgitte Gorm Hansen, visited the center regularly and engaged in conversations with several of the center scientists including Thomas Bjørnholm and Birger Lindberg Møller - the former and the current Head of Center for Synthetic Biology respectively - as the main subjects.

In the radioprogram ”24syv Eftermiddag” she discusses her conclusions, specifically in connection to the present political landscape in terms of science funding.

Through the looking glass

Birger Lindberg Møller has enjoyed the collaboration with Birgitte Gorm Hansen and says:

"It is always in dialogue with researchers from different disciplines and from persons representing other approaches to science that you are given the opportunity to self-reflect. And it has been a pleasure to invite Birgitte Gorm Hansen into our world and let her be our real-time sparring partner in developing synthetic biology as a novel field of research at the University of Copenhagen"

Furthermore, Birger Lindberg Møller stresses the focus Center for Synthetic Biology has on collaborating with social scientists:  

 "Working in an area of science, which is of great interest to the public, it is important that we continuously focus on integrating social aspects of our science in our every day work and in our approaches to use synthetic biology in order to benefit society. Our doors are always open!" 

PhD thesis:

Birgitte Gorm Hansen: "Adapting in the Knowledge Economy. Lateral Strategies for Scientists and Those Who Study Them" Doctoral School of Organisation and Management Studies.

 The radio program ”24syv Eftermiddag” was sent 11th april 2012, 5.05 pm. You can listen to the program by following this link: 

http://arkiv.radio24syv.dk/video/4850725/24syv-eftermiddag-1705

 The discussion in mention takes place at 45:50 to 52:12.