Policy Press

Behind the Science

The Invisible Work of Data Management in Big Science

By Katherine Harrison

Published

Nov 13, 2024

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529230109

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 1, 2024

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529230116

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 1, 2024

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529230123

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Behind the Science

Available Open Access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

Some of the largest quantities of data produced today occur as the result of experiments taking place at Big Science facilities.

This book tells the story of a unique research journey following the people responsible for designing and implementing data management at a new Big Science facility, the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden. It critically examines the idea of data as an absolute ‘truth’ and sheds light on the often underestimated, yet essential, contributions of these data experts.

Providing a unique glimpse into the inner workings of Big Science, this book fills an important gap in science and technology studies and critical data studies.

Katherine Harrison is Associate Professor in Gender Studies at Linköping University, Sweden.

1. Data and Knowledge

2. A Neglected Aspect of Big Science

3. In/Visibility

4. How to Study a Hole in the Ground

5. Getting Technical

6. Technician or Scientist?

7. Organisational Frictions

8. The Rawness of the Data

9. Big Science: A Moving Target