Published
Nov 13, 2024Page count
144 pagesISBN
978-1529230109Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Nov 13, 2024Page count
144 pagesISBN
978-1529230123Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
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.
“Harrison provides an insightful and in-depth exploration into the epistemic politics of Big Data in Big Science. Behind the Science gives an important methodological roadmap for studying the power in, and of, science.” Park Atkinson Doing, independent consultant
“Through an ethnographic investigation of the actors, technologies and institutional embedding of data management, Harrison provides important insights on the changing configurations of New Big Science projects.” Anne Beaulieu, University of Groningen
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
