interdisciplinary investigation of the links and
interactions between science, technology and
society as well as technology assessment and
research into the development and implementation
of socially and environmentally sound technologies.
The IAS-STS is broadly speaking, an institute for
the enhancement of science and technology studies.
The IAS-STS invites researchers to apply for a stay
between 1 October 2012 and 30 June 2013 as a
- Research Fellow (up to nine months) or as a
- Visiting Scholar (shorter period, e.g. a month)
The IAS-STS offers excellent research
infrastructure. Close co-operation with researchers
at the IFZ (Inter-University Research Centre for
Technology, Work and Culture;
see: www.ifz.tugraz.at), guest lectures, workshops
and conferences provide an atmosphere of
creativity and scholarly discussion.
Furthermore we can offer five grants (EUR
940 per month) for long-term Research Fellows
at the IAS-STS.
The Fellowship Programme 2012-2013 is
dedicated to projects investigating the following
issues:
1. Gender - Technology - Environment
This area of research particularly focuses on
gender dimensions of science and technology.
On the one hand individual perspectives of actors
in the technological field are taken into account,
on the other hand educational, organisational,
societal, environmental and political issues are
gaining more and more relevance. Current
promising research will also shed more light on
the interrelation between individuals' concepts
and media representations of gender and
technology.
2. Genetics and Biotechnology
A focus of the Fellowship Programme lies on research
providing a critical analysis of the life sciences.
Researchers investigating either social aspects of
biomedicine or risk and wider governance issues
related to agricultural biotechnology are especially
encouraged to apply.
3. Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP)
SCP seeks to promote social and economic development
within the carrying capacity of ecosystems. New strategies
and concrete tools are needed to change individual and
institutional patterns of consumption and to enhance
corporate responsibility (CR) of organisations. Researchers
investigating patterns of consumption and intervention
strategies to promote sustainable lifestyles among both
public and private consumers or working within the thematic
field of ecological product policy are encouraged to apply.
Research projects integrating product assessment tools such
as LCA, carbon footprint, MIPS or related methods are
also of special interest.
4. Energy and Climate
On basis of the analysis of social, technological and
organisational framework of energy use projects
should contribute to the shaping of sustainable
energy, climate and technology policies. They
should aim at socio-economic aspects of energy
technologies or at strategies of environmental
technology policy. They should develop measures
and strategies for the promotion of renewable
energy sources, for the transition to a sustainable
energy system or contribute to the field of
sustainable construction. Regional governance,
climate policy strategies, innovation policy and the
role of users are important themes. In addition,
the Manfred Heindler grant is awarded for research
projects on the increased use of renewable energies
and on a more efficient use of energy.
5. Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs)
Novel developments in ICT-related fields are investigated
from the perspective of the social studies and the
philosophy of science and technology. The inquiry covers
a variety of research areas concerning ICTZs and human
agency. Topics may include Artificial Intelligence,
ubiquitous computing, intelligent environments
or ICTs and mobility. These topics are analysed
with respect to their wider social, ethical and
political implications. Further possible issues of
interest are the social shaping of ICTs, ICT risk
management and ICTs and innovation policies.
Applications must be submitted to the IAS-STS
by 31 December 2011.
For application forms and further information:
Please visit our website: www.sts.tugraz.at
Institute for Advanced Studies on Science,
Technology and Society (IAS-STS)
Attn. Gunter Getzinger
Kopernikusgasse 9
8010 Graz - Austria
E-mail: info@sts.tugraz.at
